Wanindu Hasaranga put up solid performances throughout the India series. He put in a lion-hearted bowling effort in the 2nd ODI and almost won the game for Lankans. But come the T20Is he was a totally different beast. He put up match-winning performances across all the games. Hasaranga was absolutely clinical in the last 2 T20Is. His temperament and attitude won admiration from all corners. Here is Who Can Target Wanindu Hasaranga For The UAE Phase
Hasaranga’s X-factor abilities:
The noise regarding him getting an IPL contract started echoing louder. He will be an ideal candidate in conditions like the UAE where the pitches are expected to play slow and aid turn. An X-factor player like Hasaranga may well turn out to be the trump card for any team that may select him.
Depleted squads:
A few teams were affected in the 1st phase of IPL 2021 owing to player walkouts and injuries. The list kept growing as the season came to an unprecedented suspension. England players’ availability is also a big question ahead of the UAE leg. Teams will surely like to have readymade replacements for injured players. This will surely help the cause of players like Hasaranga who currently don’t have an IPL team.
Who Can Target Wanindu Hasaranga For The UAE Phase
#3 Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals had a mixed first phase of IPL 2021. They were severely depleted with players’ availability and injuries. But they bravely put their best foot forward and remained in contention. The Sanju Samson-led side won 3 and lost 4 of their games. They had just 4 overseas players at their disposal and RR had to play all of them. With Ben Stokes ruling himself out and Jofra Archer’s participation in doubt, RR will be well served with Hasaranga’s addition.
RR’s spinners, Rahul Tewatia and Shreyas Gopal were lacklustre in the first phase. Hasaranga’s spin game will come in handy. Sanju Samson who had a tough time facing Hasaranga in Sri Lanka will be a relieved man if RR manages to acquire Hasaranga.
#2 Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings’ fortunes didn’t really improve in the first phase of IPL 2021. Their batting unit failed to click as a cohesive unit. KL Rahul, their captain continued to shoulder the team’s responsibility. Kings bowling was a major disappointment too with the likes of Mohammad Shami and Jhye Richardson proving to be expensive. A player like Hasaranga can prove to be their fulcrum at number 7. He can attack and defend in equal measure in the middle overs. Hasaranga’s combination with Ravi Bishnoi can prove to be deadly.
#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore surprised everyone with their clinical showing in IPL 2021s first phase. Their overseas trio of Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, and Kyle Jamieson fired in unison. Devdutt Paddikal and Mohammad Siraj stepped up their game while Harshal Patel was a revelation.
If there is one area where RCB struggled was their fourth overseas player. The likes of Dan Christian struggled to provide RCB the required impetus. Here is where Hasaranga can prove to be RCB’s talisman. He is a brilliant number 7 who can provide a great flourish with the bat. Hasaranga’s bowling adds a wonderful dimension to the RCB side.
There are reports that RCB have already requested Hasaranga’s addition to their team. They believe he can come in as a replacement for players like Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson who had walked out midway during the first phase.
It will be interesting to see which team bags Hasaranga and how his IPL journey unfolds.
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