'Two IPL teams approached me after India series' - Wanindu Hasaranga

The story of Sri Lanka and India series was all about leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga’s exploits with the ball in hand. He was simply outstanding during the six white-ball games against India and continuously troubled the batters with googlies. His heroics didn’t go unnoticed as two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams approached him with offers for the second leg of IPL which is set to get underway in the UAE from September 19.

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Sri Lanka finally ended their losing streak in the T20Is by defeating India 2-1. Hasaranga’s exceptional spell of four for nine runs in the last T20I knocked the stuffing out of Indians as they were restricted to below 100. He ended up picking seven wickets and managed to win the Player of the Series award. Not only he kept getting wickets for Sri Lanka at regular intervals, his economy rate too was exceptional as he gave away runs below six runs per over in each of the three T20Is.

During a recent chat with legendary pacer Lasith Malinga, Hasaranga admitted that two IPL teams approached him after conclusion of the India series. “Two IPL teams have approached me after the series against India. Getting a chance to play in the IPL is a big deal and it’s my dream to feature in the IPL one day,” said Wanindu Hasaranga.

Although the two teams' names were not revealed, speculations were rife that it was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who wanted a replacement bowler for Adam Zampa. But Hasaranga won’t take part in the UAE leg of IPL due to the team’s series against South Africa. The IPL will begin on September 1, with the final to be played on October 15.