Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga’s buy led to raised eyebrows when Royal Challengers Bangalore forked out a mind-boggling Rs 10.75 crore for the leg-spinner at the auction recently. Considering the 24-year-old was preferred over their trusted marshal Yuzvendra Chahal, the pressure was on Hasaranga to deliver right from the first ball he bowled in the opener against Punjab Kings. With figures of 1/40, it was hardly the best of starts.
At the DY Patil stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, much like the rest of the RCB bowling unit, Hasaranga redeemed himself, returning an impressive 4 for 20 as Faf du Plessis’ men restricted Kolkata Knight Riders to 128 in 18.5 overs.
