Deccan Gladiators Retain Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga For The Abu Dhabi T10  

Ahead of the players’ draft for the Abu Dhabi T10 league, the Deccan Gladiators have retained Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga in their squad. Hasaranga joins England all-rounder Tymal Mills and UAE fast bowler Zahoor Khan in the list of retained players by the franchisee. West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell is the Icon Player of the team.

Hasaranga is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the second part of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) edition. He was signed by the Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB) along with fellow Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera. He had shot into the limelight in his first-ever one-day international (ODI) when he claimed a hat-trick against Zimbabwe and thereby became the third debutant and the first leggie in the history of the game to claim that feat.

Deccan Gladiators owner Gaurav Grover said: “One of the most talented all-rounders in world cricket at the moment, he is such a great player for his age and he handles the tough situations perfectly. I am so glad to have a match-winner like him in our side.”

My Batting And Bowling Style Suits This Version More Than Any Other Formats That I Play: Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga then starred in Sri Lanka’s first-ever T20I series win over India in Sri Lanka this July, when the Dasun Shanaka-led island team defeated the Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian team 2-1 in the three-match T20I series. Hasaranga’s seven wickets in three T20 Internationals, with best figures of 4 for 9 were the catalyst for the island nation’s series win over India.

Hasaranga plays all formats of the game (Test, ODIs, T20Is, and T10) and his all-around abilities can be vital in Deccan Gladiators’ quest for their maiden Abu Dhabi T10 title this season.

“I think my batting and bowling style suits this version more than any other formats that I play, and so, I am looking forward to go out there, do what I do best, and bring home the cup! I can’t wait to join the likes of Dre Russ (Andre Russell), Tymal (Mills) and Zahoor (Khan) in the Deccan Gladiators line-up.

“I am a leg-spinner and I am eagerly waiting to meet my childhood hero and coach of Deccan Gladiators, the legendary leg-spinner from Pakistan Mushtaq Ahmed. I am sure I will be able to learn a lot from him,” said Hasaranga.

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