13 Wanindu Hasaranga

A world-class leg-spinner and one of the most versatile all-rounders in modern cricket, Wanindu Hasaranga (born July 29, 1997) has evolved into a global T20 superstar. Known for his deceptive googly and aggressive lower-order batting, the Galle-born cricketer is the linchpin of the Sri Lankan bowling attack and a high-value asset in franchise leagues worldwide.

As of January 22, 2026, Hasaranga is in peak form, recently leading Sri Lanka to a hard-fought T20I series win against Pakistan (January 2026). Following a season with the Rajasthan Royals, he has embarked on a new chapter, having been secured by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹2 Crore at the IPL 2026 auction held in December 2025.

Wanindu Hasaranga: Career Profile & 2025–26 Highlights

The Road to Lucknow: IPL 2026 Transfer

Hasaranga’s IPL journey has been a rollercoaster of high-stakes bids and injury recoveries.

• Rajasthan Royals Stint (2025): After being picked for ₹5.25 crore, he claimed 11 wickets in 11 matches. While his bowling was effective, the franchise opted for a different strategic direction for the next cycle.

• The LSG Move: At the December 2025 auction in Abu Dhabi, Lucknow Super Giants capitalized on his availability, signing him for ₹2 Crore. He is expected to lead their spin attack alongside Ravi Bishnoi, forming one of the most lethal leg-spin duos in the tournament.

International Dominance & 2026 T20 World Cup

Hasaranga enters 2026 as the world’s No. 2 ranked T20I bowler.

• Series vs England (Jan–Feb 2026): He is currently the focal point of the Sri Lankan squad for the home series against England, viewed as a final rehearsal for the mega-event.

• T20 World Cup Co-Host: With Sri Lanka co-hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup with India (starting February 7), Hasaranga is tipped to be the tournament’s most influential player on familiar spinning tracks in Colombo and Kandy.

Historical Milestones

• Dream Debut: In 2017, he became the youngest bowler to take an ODI hat-trick on debut (vs Zimbabwe).

• Tournament Legend: He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 T20 World Cup and the Player of the Tournament in the 2022 Asia Cup.

• Statistical Peak: His 7/19 against Zimbabwe in 2024 remains the second-best ODI figures by a Sri Lankan, trailing only Chaminda Vaas.

Wanindu Hasaranga: Consolidated IPL Statistics

Data updated as of January 22, 2026.

IPL Bowling Performance

IPL Batting & Fielding Records