Teams are desperate for quality wrist spinners who can also contribute with the bat. Hasaranga offers the perfect package: a match-winner who can turn the game around with a tight four-over spell and a power-hitting cameo, making him a great asset, especially when turning Indian pitches.
5 franchises who 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 hole 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 big void in the all-rounder department of spin bowling, especially crucial on the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
Hasaranga is seen as the ideal target to restore their spin stronghold and boost the lower-order batting. Their ample financial resources allow them to outbid most rivals, and management’s focus on specialist spinners who can thrive at home makes Hasaranga a top buy for them.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will enter the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore and have to fill 13 seats, including six overseas seats. While their primary focus may be an all-rounder abroad (such as Cameron Green), KKR also need a powerful, wicket-taking spinner to replace their departed options.
Hasaranga’s style of attacking leg spin is perfect for breaking the momentum of the middle overs, a role that KKR have historically struggled to fill. Their huge budget means they can get their hands on a specialist foreign wrist spinner like Hasaranga, while still retaining enough money to bid for their best batting/pace targets.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH has a strong pocketbook of ₹25.50 crore and a clear need to strengthen their spin department. They let go Adam Zampa and need a quality overseas wrist spinner to team up with the retained Indian spinners. SRH’s batting line-up is already aggressive, but Hasaranga’s batting offers even more lower-order protection.
The team needs an experienced, match-winning spinner who can ease the pressure on their pace attack (led by Pat Cummins). Hasaranga’s reputation as a pioneering T20 bowler fits 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 healthy purse of ₹22.95 crore and a big vacancy in their spin attack after the surprise release of their key Indian wrist spinner, Ravi Bishnoi. While they may try to buy back Bishnoi, it is crucial that there is an elite overseas alternative.
Hasaranga offers a world-class option that can anchor their spin attack, giving them flexibility in selecting Indian pacers. His batting ability also gives them extra security 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 refining their squad with two overseas slots left. Hasaranga previously played for RCB and knows the team dynamics and high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium well.
Although they have 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 huge price. RCB need a spinner who can withstand the tight boundaries and take wickets. Hasaranga’s attacking leg spin and proven IPL track record make a strategic recapture highly likely, especially if other overseas targets prove too expensive.
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