Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) bowling attack has suffered a blow as star Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the 2024 IPL season due to a foot injury. The news was confirmed by SRH on Tuesday, and they have named Vijkayakanth Viyaskanth, another Sri Lankan spinner, as Hasaranga’s replacement.
Hasaranga’s Absence: A Missed Opportunity for SRH
Hasaranga’s absence is a significant setback for SRH. He was acquired by the franchise for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore during the IPL 2024 mini-auction in December. His experience and wicket-taking abilities were expected to bolster SRH’s spin department. Multiple media reports last week had already hinted at Hasaranga’s unavailability due to the foot injury, which has now been officially confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket and the BCCI.
With Hasaranga out, SRH has turned to the 22-year-old Viyaskanth to fill the void. While not as established as Hasaranga, Viyaskanth offers promise as a young leg-break bowler. He has experience playing in various T20 leagues around the world, including the International League T20 (MI Emirates), the Bangladesh Premier League (Chattogram Challengers), and the Lanka Premier League (Jaffna Kings). Viyaskanth has played 33 T20 matches in his career, claiming 42 wickets. He has also represented Sri Lanka in a single T20I, where he took one wicket for 28 runs.
SRH Looks Ahead with Balanced Squad
Despite the setback of losing Hasaranga, SRH still possesses a well-rounded squad. Currently sitting comfortably in fifth place on the points table with two wins and two losses after four matches, they appear to be a team on the rise.
Their next challenge comes against the Punjab Kings tonight at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. The inclusion of Viyaskanth provides them with another spin bowling option, and his performance will be keenly observed as he steps onto the big stage of the IPL.
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