Wanindu HasarangaSri Lankan Leg-Spin Maestro and all-rounder, one of the most exciting foreign players Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction After being released Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite the RR 2025 season being somewhat inconsistent (11 wickets in 11 games), his overall T20 resume, he has an original Wicket-take at average, a high ICC T20I bowling ranking (currently #5) and a devastating lower-order streak.
Teams are desperate for a quality wrist-spinner who can contribute with the bat as well. Hasaranga provides the perfect package: he can turn the game into a power-hitting cameo with a tight four-plus spell and a power-hitting cameo, especially by turning Indian pitches.
5 franchises that could target Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK will go into the auction with the second biggest purse and a significant strategic gap in their squad: they generally need an all-rounder and a specialist medium pace spinner. The trade that lost them Ravindra jadeja and Sam Curran The head of the spin-bowling department has created a huge gap in a bowling department that is especially important for a spin-friendly chepauk surface.
Hasaranga is seen as an ideal target for rebuilding the spin line-up and boosting lower-order batting. Their ample funds enable them to outperform most competitors and the management’s focus on specialist spinners who can grow at home makes Hasaranga a top class buy for them.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will go into the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 64.30 crore and will need to fill 13 slots, including six overseas slots. It can be an all-round pace with the main focus (like) Cameron Green), KKR also need a high-impact, wicket-taking spinner to replace their departed options.
Hasaranga’s attacking style is ideal for breaking through the middle overs, a role KKR have historically struggled to fill. With their massive budget, they can provide a specialist spinner like hasaranga, a specialist overseas wrist-spinner, who still has enough money to offer for ball batting / pace targets.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH has a strong purse of 25.50 crore and there is a clear need to strengthen the spin department. They released him Adam Zampa and a quality foreign wrist-spinner is needed to partner the retained Indians. SRH’s batting line-up is already aggressive, but Hasaranga’s batting provides a lower level of protection.
The team needs an experienced, match-winning spinner who can take the pressure off their PACE attacks Pat cummins). Hasaranga’s one-game-changing T20 Bowler fits perfectly with the philosophy of players who get players who can single-handedly change the course of a match.
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4. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG will enter the auction with ₹ 22.95 crore in the spin attack and a huge vacancy in the spin attack after the surprise release of their premier Indian wrist-spinner. Ravi Bishnoi. Although the Bishnoi may try to win back, an elite overseas alternative is very important.
Hasaranga provides a world-class option that can anchor the spin attack, allowing for ease in picking Indian pacers. His batting ability gives them extra insurance in the lower order. LSG will be aggressive in the spin market and Hasaranga is the most valuable first wrist-spinner on offer.
5. Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, the defending champions, have a purse of ₹ 16.40 crore and are looking to fine-tune their squad with the remaining two foreign slots. Hasaranga has played for RCB before and knows the team dynamics and the high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium.
While they’ve released him in the past, his current value could make him an attractive option if he doesn’t command a massive price as a proven match-winner. RCB need a spinner who can bowl small boundaries and take the spinners. Hasaranga’s attacking leg spin and proven iPL track record is likely to be a strategic re-acquisition, especially if other overseas targets are too expensive.
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