'From sitting at home and watching them, to being a part of an amazing team' - Wanindu Hasaranga after RCB bagged him for UAE leg of IPL

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side has roped in Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Hasaranga will replace Adam Zampa, who pulled out of the tournament for personal reasons. Apart from Hasaranga, Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has also been roped in by the Virat Kohli-led side and will replace Daniel Sams.

Also, another addition to the RCB camp will be Tim David, and he will replace Finn Allen in the RCB side. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson stated that the likes of Hasaranga, Chameera, and Tim David have come at the perfect replacement window. Hesson also added that the RCB side will be looking to build on their performances from the first half of the season when they take the field in the UAE for the second half of the tournament.

“The addition of Wanindu Hasaranga, Tim David, and Dushmantha Chameera couldn’t have come at a better time during the replacement window, as we aim to continue with the momentum, building on our performance from earlier this year,” said Hesson.

Wanindu Hasaranga reacts after being picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore side

Wanindu Hasaranga, on his part, has taken to Instagram to offer his thoughts after being selected by the RCB side for the UAE leg of the IPL. The Sri Lankan stated that he is excited to be a part of the ‘amazing’ Bangalore side. Hasaranga also added that he is honoured and thrilled to join the RCB camp.

“From sitting at home and watching them, to being a part of an amazing team. I am excited, honoured and thrilled all at once,” stated Hasaranga on Instagram.

You can see Wanindu Hasaranga’s Instagram post below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wanindu Hasaranga DE Silva (@wanindu_49_waniya)

Hasaranga has not been a part of the IPL before. The Sri Lankan right arm leg spinner has featured in 21 T20Is for his country. He has taken 33 wickets in the T20I format of the game and averages an excellent 14.45 with the ball in hand as well.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side will open their account in the UAE leg of the IPL on 20th September 2021 and will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side at Abu Dhabi.