Muttiah Muralitharan backs Wanindu Hasaranga to get IPL contract next season
Although Team India has dominated Sri Lanka in the ongoing tour, the home side has several positives to take out. Youngsters like Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, and Chamika Karunaratne have put up impressive performances as India, barring the first ODI, had to work hard to get victory in other games. Young all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has also been at the top of his A-game this series.
After enjoying a couple of impressive outings in the ODI series, the leg-spinner took two wickets in the first T20I. Hasaranga, in fact, has been one of the very few consistent performers in the Sri Lankan team lately. While he can take wickets without conceding a lot of runs, his big-hitting skills make him an even greater asset.
Owing to the same, former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan feels the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises should go after Hasaranga in the auction next year. The legendary cricketer, however, also added that it would be tough for Hasaranga to get game time in IPL as only four foreign players can feature in a playing XI.
IPL franchise should look at Wanindu Hasaranga: Muttiah Muralitharan
“IPL franchise should look at him. But the problem is if it’s a local player, he walks into the side. But if it’s a foreign player, you have to see which franchise wants a foreign spinner. It’s a tricky thing. They will buy him but playing him is something that will not be easy for a franchise. Because some franchises look mostly at Indian spinners rather than foreign spinners,” Muralitharan said in a chat on ESPNCricinfo.
“He will get a launch and if he gets a game or two and performs, then he will be a regular player. He bowls well in T20s most of the time. In shorter games he is a very good bowler,” added the 49-year-old.
Notably, two new franchises are set to come to the fore next season, making IPL 2022 a 10-team event. This also means more players will feature in gala competition and it would be interesting to see if Hasaranga gets a contract or not.
Speaking of the ongoing T20I series, Team India, having won the ODI series 2-1, walked away with a 38-run win in the first T20I. The visitors will like to extend their purple patch in the second T20I, which takes place on Tuesday (July 27). On the other hand, Sri Lanka must put their best foot forward to avoid another series loss.
