LPL 2021: Hasaranga’s big dream – World No 1 T20I bowler Wanindu Hasaranga has a big dream, to get Virat Kohli’s wicket. While he shared the dressing room with Kohli in RCB in IPL 2021, he has never got his wicket in practice or match. With a good season in the LPL 2021, the Sri Lankan leg spinner is now aiming for the big prize as Kohli is his favourite batsman. Then next on his hit list is World No 1 T20I and ODI batsman Babar Azam. Follow LPL 2021 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“I would love to get my favourite cricketer Virat Kohli’s wicket someday. I also want to pick Babar Azam and Glenn Maxwell’s wickets as well,” Wanindu Hasaranga said when asked to name the players who he wishes to dismiss in his career.
LPL 2021: World No 1 Wanindu Hasaranga’s BIG dream, says ‘Love to get Virat Kohli’s wicket one day’
Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, with 16 scalps in 8 games, despite Sri Lanka not reaching past the group stages. On being asked about the reason behind his success, Hasaranga said that he always try to do the best for his team.
LPL 2021: World No 1 Wanindu Hasaranga’s BIG dream, says ‘Love to get Virat Kohli’s wicket one day’
“When I am bowling, I always try to take wickets. When I am in the national team, I always try to do my best for the team. That’s why I am successful,” he said.
Know Your Challengers | Wanindu Hasaranga
We have a mystery spinner in our midst and he’s ready to cast a spell in #IPL2021. Here’s everything you need to know about our new spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga. #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/fr2yHZe4l0
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 10, 2021
Hasaranga does not feel the pressure of media and fans comparing him with former Sri Lanka legends Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.
“I am always motivated to perform. I don’t feel any pressure. I don’t want to be the next Muralitharan or the next Herath. I want to be the first Hasaranga,” he said.
LPL 2021: World No 1 Wanindu Hasaranga’s BIG dream, says ‘Love to get Virat Kohli’s wicket one day’
With the rise of the T20 format, it is largely believed that cricket is becoming a batsman’s game. But Hasaranga explained how the spinners can be match-winners in the shortest format.
“Leg spinners can do anything. Because in T20 cricket, batsmen are going to hit big shots. We have a lot of variations. Sometimes, we can get hit for 40-50 runs in a match. But in the next match, we find a way to get back and pick 4-5 wickets. Leg-spinners can win matches,” he added.
LPL 2021: World No 1 Wanindu Hasaranga’s BIG dream, says ‘Love to get Virat Kohli’s wicket one day’
The 24-year-old bowler went on to credit the Lanka Premier League for the rise of Sri Lanka Cricket in the past few years.
“Last time, we saw a lot of youngsters doing a good job in Lanka Premier League. In this kind of tournament, we always get a lot of good players. That is why Sri Lanka Cricket is better than the last few years. These kinds of tournaments are always good for the growth of the sport in a nation,” Hasaranga signed off.
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