IPL 2024: Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out For The Season, Sunrisers Hyderabad Looking At Replacement - Report

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Sunrisers Hyderabad reportedly look for a replacement after it was learnt that Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will be unavailable for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to chronic heel pain in his left foot.

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Hasaranga had not joined the Hyderabad squad and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed BCCI of his unavailability for the season.

Hasaranaga, who last played in Sri Lanka's limited-overs series in Bangladesh in March, was treated by SLC medical personnel who felt the pain in his left heel was caused by wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system.

Earlier, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori had given a major update on the Sri Lanka star spinner's injury and said that the 26-year-old has travelled to Dubai to consult with a specialist.

During the pre-match press conference earlier this week, Vettori said that the Hyderabad-based franchise is currently waiting for Hasaranga's medical reports to come.

The former New Zealand cricketer said that they are hoping that they will receive positive reports. He added that the team management will decide on the Sri Lanka spinner's future after they receive the medical report.

"Hasaranga has visited a specialist in Dubai and we are waiting for the reports to come. We are just hopeful that positive reports come out, and as soon as we have the reports, we will be making the decision," Vettori said.

Just days after Vettori had said the franchise is waiting for Hasaranga's medical reports from his visit to Dubai, news has emerged that the SLC has informed the BCCI about their player's unavalibilty.

In December's IPL 2024 auction, Hasaranga was bought for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore by SRH. The star spinner played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last two seasons after being bought by the Bengaluru-based team for Rs 10.75 Crore in 2022 auction.

While there are allegations that overseas cricketers opt to withdraw from the tournament if they don't get a good price at the auction, Hasaranga's manager had denied that's the case with the Sri Lankan, according to report by CricBuzz.

The report from Cricbuzz also added that the Sunrisers Hyderabad are looking at a replacement for the Sri Lankan spinner as the squad lacks a top class specialist tweaker.

Who could SRH sign as Hasaranga's replacement?

SRH could look at West Indies' Akeal Hosein, who also adds the depth in batting. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder was part of the SRH squad in 2023 season, but was released after playing just one match for the side.

They could also sign Australian all-rounder Ashton Agar if they need an overseas spinner, who can also add some batting depth. There are plenty of options if they want to look away from an overseas spin bowling option.