Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble has said that SunRisers Hyderabad have brought a match-winner in the form of Sri Lanka spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. SRH secured the services of Hasaranga for Rs 1.50 crore in the IPL 2024 auction at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Hasaranga, one of the best T20 spinners in the international circuit, was picked by SRH for Rs 1.5 crore without any bidding war. Hasaranga last played competitive cricket on 19 August, 2023 in the final of the Lanka Premier League where he won the title as the player of the match in the final of the tournament.
Speaking to Jio Cinema, Kumble called Hasaranga a regular wicket-taker, comparing him to the likes of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and India’s Yuzvendra Chahal. Hasaranga has picked 35 wickets in 26 matches at an economy of 8.14.
“They had Adil Rashid last time but Hasaranga gives you a lot more. He’s used to these conditions and bowls all the slots for Sri Lanka and has been successful. He picks up more wickets, more often than not, than any spinner. Other than Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal, he picks up the most wickets amongst spinners,” said Kumble.
He went on to call Hasaranga as a match-winner, adding that he was a steal at Rs 1.50 crore. Hasaranga was one of the biggest buys in the IPL 2022 auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore had bought the player for a massive sum of Rs 10.75 crore seeing off bids from Punjab Kings and SunRisers Hyderbad.
“He will pick wickets in any format. He is a match-winner. At Rs 1.50 crore, he’s a steal. He can bat as well, you’ve seen him float around the order for Sri Lanka,” Kumble added.
The spinner suffered a thigh strain during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) playoffs in 2023. The injury occurred at a critical juncture, as Hasaranga had been performing exceptionally well, finishing as the top run-scorer with 279 runs and the leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets.
