Wanindu Hasaranga to miss entire IPL 2024 citing injury

Wanindu Hasaranga, the 26-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder, finds himself sidelined for the ongoing IPL 2024 season. The legspinner, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 1.5 crores ahead of the auction after an impressive stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is currently nursing a left heel injury that has cast doubts over his participation in the cash-rich league.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently confirmed that the all-rounder would be missing the entire IPL 2024 to undergo rehabilitation. The extent of the problem was revealed when SLC CEO Ashley de Silva stated that Hasaranga has been playing with injections due to swelling in his heel. The board advised him to skip the IPL and prioritize his recovery ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“He is not taking part in the IPL as he needs to do some rehabilitation after meeting the podiatrist,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told the Sunday Times newspaper.

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Has decided to get this issue sorted: Ashley de Silva

Hasaranga has been one of the most sought-after T20 cricketers in recent times. His ability to bamboozle batters with his spin and variations, coupled with his handy batting abilities, make him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game. However, his recent performances have been hindered by the nagging heel issue.

“There’s a swelling in the heel and he has been playing with injections. So he has decided to get this issue sorted out before the World Cup and informed us of his decision to skip the IPL this year,” de Silva added.

Hasaranga recently featured in Sri Lanka's T20I and ODI series against Bangladesh, where he showcased his brilliance by picking up wickets. His impressive outings even prompted him to come out of Test retirement, and he was part of the Sri Lankan squad for the recent Test series against Bangladesh.

Unfortunately, Hasaranga was suspended for the Test series against Bangladesh after breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

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With 35 wickets in just three IPL seasons, Hasaranga has already proven that he is one of the best bowlers in the T20 league. However, due to this injury, he won't be part of the season and will be eyeing for a comeback in the T20 World Cup in June this year.