The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced innumerable players and has given cricketers an opportunity to become stars. Youngsters, not only from India, but from other countries have gone on to become household names because of IPL.
The second-phase of IPL 2021 is set to begin on September 19 and with a lot of key players set to miss the tournament due to national duties, Covid-19 protocols or T20 World Cup preparations, it is expected that youngsters will get an opportunity.
Former India batsman Virender Sehwag has said that one such player who can be a hot property for replacements in Sri Lanka is leg-spinner Wanidu Hasaranga.
The bowler impressed everyone with a Man of the Series performance in the recently concluded T20I series against India. He picked 4/9 in the final match of the series which helped Sri Lanka clinch the series.
"He bowled brilliantly. And the two wickets he took in the middle – of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad – broke India's back. I think there was some news that Hasaranga is targeting a few IPL teams as a replacement player," Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
"I mean he was hoping for something like that and he proved himself… it doesn't get bigger than this. Those who would be thinking of picking him would be saying 'we need to talk to him' and get him as a replacement player. He delivered the right performance at the right time," he added.
Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra was impressed with Hasaranga and said that he has proven himself and has made a case for himself to attract IPL franchises.
"Only time will tell which franchise needs a replacement. But if there are discussions, and someone needs a spinner – he (Hasaranga) could be the guy. If a player plays for a year and a half, he is considered a senior player in T20Is. He is the No. 2 ranked T20I bowler, although I do not believe much in rankings," Ashish Nehra said.
"Not too many Sri Lankan are playing the IPL and if you talk about the India vs Sri Lanka series, Hasaranga has shown a lot of positives. Even Shanaka sent Hasaranga ahead of himself in batting," he added.
Reports have emerged that RCB is in talks with BCCI to rope in Hasaranga as Adam Zampa’s replacement. Zampa had withdrawn from this year’s IPL in the first half itself. However, nothing is concrete yet.
