As the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) unfolds, a key international player’s much-anticipated debut might not occur as soon as fans had hoped. Sri Lanka’s T20I skipper Wanindu Hasaranga, an integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s lineup, is faced with an unforeseen deferment in his arrival, casting uncertainty on when he will don the orange jersey this season.
Purchased for a commendable INR 1.50 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad, the crafty leg-spinner is slated to be their main weapon in the overseas spin department. With Hasaranga’s participation hanging in the balance, the team has to bank on the prowess of Indian spinners Mayank Markande and Shahbaz Ahmed in the interim, both skillful in their own right but lacking Hasaranga’s international clout and the excitement that his presence brings on the field.
There are currently no clear indications as to when fans can expect to see Hasaranga in action for the Sunrisers. Concerns are mounting, but his manager has attempted to assuage the anxious supporters by clarifying that the Sri Lankan star is set to join the league. “He will join sooner than later,” the manager assured during an interaction with Cricbuzz on Friday (March 29). “All I can say is he will definitely join the team.”
Further dispelling rumors about Hasaranga’s reluctance to play for the Sunrisers due to a perceived salary reduction – considering the whopping INR 10.50 crore he pocketed at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the previous season – his manager emphatically stated that financials were not the driving factor. He highlighted the player’s commitment to his health and responsibilities as the national captain, noting, “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.”
Indeed, the 26-year-old’s left ankle has been a source of persistent discomfort, necessitating a trip to Dubai scheduled for Sunday (March 31) for a thorough medical examination. This checkup is pivotal in determining his readiness for the high intensity of the IPL matches.
Hasaranga’s management remains in constant communication with the Sunrisers’ franchise, conveying his enthusiasm to be a part of the IPL festivities. “He will join for sure, he wants to enjoy the IPL. We are in touch with the franchise,” his manager mentioned, rekindling hopes that the delay will be but a minor glitch in a potentially impressive season for the ace spinner with the Hyderabad team.
As the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad for IPL 2024 prepares to go head-to-head with formidable opponents, the team roster shows plenty of promise. The squad boasts some impressive names including Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen as wicketkeeper, and the dynamic Abdul Samad among others. All-rounder Marco Jansen, pace spearhead Pat Cummins, the veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and speedster Umran Malik form the core of the bowling attack, with international stars like Glenn Phillips and Travis Head bringing in their global experience to the fore. Hasaranga’s eventual arrival would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for this robust line-up.
With the IPL captivating fans worldwide, the anticipation for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s games escalates. While Hasaranga’s delay might have momentarily dampened spirits, the cricketing world looks forward with eagerness to the moment when he finally steps onto the pitches amidst the cheering crowds, bolstering the Sunrisers with his guile and prowess.
