Wanindu HasarangaThe Sri Lankan leg-spin maestro and all-rounder is one of the most exciting overseas players available Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Mini-Auction after being released by Rajasthan Royals (RR)Despite his IPL 2025 season with RR being a bit inconsistent (11 wickets in 11 games), his overall T20 resume is staggering: he is a genuine wicket-taker in the middle overs, boasts a high ICC T20I bowling ranking (currently #5), and is a devastating lower-order batsman,
Teams are desperate for high-quality wrist spinners who can contribute with the bat as well. Hasaranga offers the right package: a match-winner who can turn a game with a tight four-over spell and power-hitting cameos, making him a major asset, especially on Indian pitches.
5 franchises that can target Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK will enter the auction with the second-highest purse of ₹43.40 crore and a key strategic gap in their team: they need an overseas all-rounder and a specialist middle-overs spinner. a losing trade Ravindra Jadeja And Sam Curran A huge void was created in the spin-bowling all-rounder department, especially important given the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
Hasaranga is seen as the ideal target to re-establish his spin defense and boost his lower-order batting. Their ample funds allow them to outperform most rivals, and the management’s focus on specialist spinners who can thrive at home makes Hasaranga a top-tier acquisition for them.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will enter the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore and will have to fill 13 slots, including six overseas slots. While their primary focus may be an overseas pace all-rounder (like cameron green), KKR also need a high-impact, wicket-taking spinner to replace their departing options.
Hasaranga’s aggressive style of leg-spin is perfect for breaking the pace of the middle overs, a role that KKR have historically struggled to fill. Their huge budget means they can secure a specialist overseas wrist-spinner like Hasaranga, while still having enough money left over to bid for their top batting/pace targets.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH have a strong purse of ₹25.50 crore and clearly need to strengthen their spin department. he released adam zampa And there is a need for a quality overseas wrist spinner to partner the retained Indian spinners. SRH’s batting lineup is already aggressive, but Hasaranga’s hitting provides more protection to the lower order.
The team needs an experienced, match-winning spinner who can take the pressure off their pace attack (lead) pat cumminsHasaranga’s reputation as a game-changing T20 bowler aligns perfectly with SRH’s philosophy of acquiring 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 a good purse of ₹22.95 crore and a huge void in their spin attack after the surprise release of their premier Indian wrist-spinner. Ravi BishnoiWhile they may try to buy Bishnoi back, it is important to have a specific foreign option,
Hasaranga provides a world-class option who can handle their spin attack, giving them flexibility in picking the Indian fast bowlers. His batting ability also gives him extra insurance in the lower order. The LSG spinner will be aggressive in the market, and the Hasaranga is the most valuable exotic wrist spinner on offer.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Reigning champions RCB have a purse of Rs 16.40 crore and are focusing on improving their squad with two overseas slots remaining. Hasaranga previously played for RCB and knows the team dynamics and high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium very well.
Although they released him early, his current value, as a proven match-winner, could make him an attractive option if he doesn’t fetch a huge price. RCB needs a spinner who can handle small boundaries and take wickets. Hasaranga’s aggressive leg-spin and proven IPL track record make a strategic re-acquisition highly likely, especially if other overseas targets prove too expensive.
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