Wanindu Hasaranga is a Sri Lankan all-rounder who operates as a world-class leg-break bowler and an aggressive lower-order batter. His game heavily relies on a highly deceptive googly and the ability to consistently take wickets through the middle overs, coupled with the power-hitting capability to accelerate an innings at the death. He made international history by taking a hat-trick on his One Day International (ODI) debut against Zimbabwe, and later secured another hat-trick during the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with a record 16 dismissals. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hasaranga established himself as an elite tournament strike bowler during his tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Ahead of the 2022 season, RCB secured his services for a massive ₹10.75 Crore at the mega auction, making him one of the top-priced picks and the most expensive Sri Lankan player in IPL history at the time. He justified the historic price tag by delivering a massive 2022 campaign, claiming 26 wickets with career-best bowling figures of 5/18 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. After spending the 2025 season with the Rajasthan Royals, he entered the 2026 mega auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) capitalized on the opportunity, acquiring him for ₹2 Crore to inject a dangerous, wicket-taking spin dimension into their attack and lengthen their batting depth.