Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan leg-spin maestro and all-rounder, is one of the most exciting overseas players available in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction after being released by Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite his IPL 2025 season with RR being slightly 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 destructive lower-order batter.
Teams are desperate for high-quality wrist-spinners who can also contribute with the bat. Hasaranga provides the perfect package: a match-winner who can turn the game with a tight four-over spell and a power-hitting cameo, making him a major asset, especially on turning Indian pitches.
5 franchises that can target Wanindu Hasaranga in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK will enter the auction with the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and a significant strategic gap in their squad: they need an overseas all-rounder and a specialist middle-overs spinner. The trade that saw them lose Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran created a major void in the spin-bowling all-rounder department, particularly crucial for the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
Hasaranga is seen as the ideal target to re-establish their spin stronghold and boost the lower-order batting. Their ample funds allow them to outbid 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 walk into the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore and needs to fill 13 slots, including six overseas slots. While their primary focus might be an overseas pace all-rounder (like Cameron Green), KKR also needs a high-impact, wicket-taking spinner to replace their departed options.
Hasaranga’s style of attacking leg-spin is perfect for breaking the middle-overs momentum, a role KKR has historically struggled to fill. Their massive budget means they can secure a specialist foreign wrist-spinner like Hasaranga while still having enough money left to bid for their top batting/pace targets.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH have a strong purse of ₹25.50 crore and a clear need to bolster their spin department. They released Adam Zampa and need a quality overseas wrist-spinner to partner the retained Indian spinners. SRH’s batting lineup is already aggressive, but Hasaranga’s hitting provides further lower-order protection.
The team needs an experienced, match-winning spinner who can relieve the pressure on their pace attack (led by Pat Cummins). Hasaranga’s reputation as a game-changing T20 bowler perfectly aligns with SRH’s philosophy of acquiring players who can single-handedly alter the course of a match.
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4. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG will enter the auction with a healthy purse of ₹22.95 crore and a major vacancy in their spin attack following the surprise release of their premier Indian wrist-spinner, Ravi Bishnoi. While they may try to buy back Bishnoi, having an elite overseas alternative is crucial.
Hasaranga provides a world-class option who can anchor their spin attack, allowing them flexibility in selecting Indian pacers. His batting ability also gives them extra insurance in the lower order. LSG will be aggressive in the spin market, and Hasaranga is the most valuable overseas wrist-spinner on offer.
5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, the defending champions, have a purse of ₹16.40 crore and are focused on fine-tuning their squad with two overseas slots remaining. Hasaranga previously played for RCB and knows the team dynamic and the high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium well.
Though they released him in the past, his current value, as a proven match-winner, could make him an attractive option if he doesn’t fetch a massive price. RCB needs a spinner who can withstand the small boundaries and take wickets. Hasaranga’s attacking 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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