Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has yet to join the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Wanindu Hasaranga’s delayed arrival has dealt a setback to the team, with no confirmed date for his participation in the IPL 2024.
Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Hasaranga for Rs 1.50 crore as their primary overseas spinner. SRH is currently relying on Mayank Markande and Shahbaz Ahmed. Hasaranga’s arrival remains uncertain amidst recent instances of foreign players withdrawing from the IPL.
The Sri Lankan T20 skipper displayed an outstanding performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2022, claiming 26 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54. However, in the previous season, he secured nine wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.90.
Wanindu Hasaranga Will Join SRH Sooner Than Later
According to Cricbuzz, Hasaranga will undergo a medical examination in Dubai soon. However, due to his involvement in the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Test series, even if the leg spinner receives medical clearance, he won’t be able to arrive in India immediately.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Wanindu Hasaranga’s manager emphasized that his low salary won’t deter his participation in the T20 league. He clarified that Hasaranga’s focus remains on his ankle injury and his role as captain of the national team.
“He will join sooner than later. All I can say is he will definitely join the team. If money was a factor, we could have enrolled for an INR 2 crore base price. Besides, fewer games mean less money. He has to take care of his ankle. He is also the captain of the national team,” his manager told Cricbuzz on Friday.
SRH faces uncertainty over Hasaranga’s arrival, hindering replacement options. Franchise officials remain silent on the matter. Hasaranga is set to undergo a medical examination for his ankle issue in Dubai on March 31, indicating a delay in his participation in the IPL.
Wanindu Hasaranga Suspended For Bangladesh Tests
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) faced criticism for including Wanindu Hasaranga in the Test squad despite his retirement from the format a year ago. The timing of the announcement was contentious, as it coincided with imminent ICC sanctions against the 26-year-old spinner.
Hasaranga recently came out of retirement from Test cricket, seeking to avoid missing T20 World Cup matches. The 26-year-old was sidelined from the Test series due to the ban and is hindered by an ankle injury. His fitness for the IPL remains uncertain at this juncture.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Performance In IPL 2024
The Hyderabad-based team has won one match out of the two played this season. In their first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders, they narrowly missed the 209-run target by just four runs. Despite being in a winning position, they ended up losing the match.
In their second game against the Mumbai Indians, SRH achieved a record-breaking total of 277/3, marking the highest in IPL history. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma contributed 62 and 63 runs, respectively, while Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive knock of 80 off 34 provided a strong finish. SRH successfully defended their target and secured a 31-run victory.
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