• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news, IPL 2024
• 04/10/2024
• 0 Comments

To address the void left by the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, Sunrisers Hyderabad has swiftly acquired the services of Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth for the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Vijayakanth joins the squad at his reserve price of INR 50 lakh, stepping in for Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the tournament due to chronic heel pain.

Viyaskanth’s Journey to the IPL

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, a 22-year-old leg-spinner, caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts with his impressive performances in domestic and international cricket. He made headlines in December 2020 when he emerged as the youngest player, at 18 years and 364 days, to feature in the Lanka Premier League for Jaffna Stallions. He was the first player from Jaffna, Sri Lanka’s northern region, to participate in an internationally televised game.

The young spinner showcased his potential on the global stage by representing Sri Lanka at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he played a T20I match. His stellar performances continued in the domestic circuit, particularly during his stint with MI Emirates in the ILT20, where he secured eight wickets in four matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.43.

Also read Pakistan Captaincy Crisis Deepens: Shaheen Afridi Furious Over PCB’s Fake Quotes

Experience and Expertise

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth brings a wealth of experience to Sunrisers Hyderabad, having also plied his trade for Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League. With 42 wickets in 33 T20 matches at an average of 18.78, an economy rate of 6.76, and a strike rate of 16.6, Viyaskanth has proven his mettle in the shortest game format.

Joining Sunrisers Hyderabad, Viyaskanth will have the opportunity to work closely with Muthiah Muralidaran, the team’s bowling coach and former Sri Lankan cricketer. His inclusion bolsters Sunrisers’ bowling arsenal and adds depth to their spin department.

Hasaranga’s withdrawal from the IPL due to a heel injury prompted Sunrisers Hyderabad to swiftly secure Viyaskanth’s services. While Sunrisers had initially hoped for Hasaranga’s recovery, Sri Lanka Cricket communicated his unavailability, prioritising his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup.