Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have acquired the services of Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga at the ongoing IPL 2022 mega auction for a whopping amount of INR 10.75 crore.
He rejoins Bangalore having represented them in the second phase of IPL 2021. Hasaranga played 2 matches in the tournament and remained wicket-less.
Hasarange entered the auction with a reserve price of INR 1 crore ahead of the auction. Given his recent exploits in the international arena, it was expected that Hasaranga would draw interest from a couple of franchises.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and RCB were the teams that went for it as they looked to secure Wanindu Hasaranga’s services, with his value going through the roof.
Joining RCB’s #ClassOf2022:
Name: Wanindu Hasaranga
Price: 10.75 CRWelcome back to the family! 🤩#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPLMegaAuction #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/hk5nW1SkzU
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 12, 2022
The 24-year-old all-rounder made an impression, especially with the ball, when India went to Sri Lanka in July for a limited-overs series last year, with a three-for in the second ODI and seven wickets – including a 4 for 9 – to top the bowling charts in the three T20Is. At the end of that series, Hasaranga was placed second among T20I bowlers in the ICC rankings.
Wanindu Hasaranga took a hat-trick at last year’s T20 World Cup. He was also the highest wicket-taker with 16 victims in eight matches at 5.20. It is a great addition to the RCB squad considering that he is more than a handy batsman in the lower-order.
Earlier in the IPL 2022 auction, Royal Challengers have signed Faf du Plessis and Harshal Patel, who was the Purple Cap holder last season.
