IPL 2026: Did RR make a mistake by releasing Wanindu Hasaranga?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had signed Wanindu Hasaranga for INR 5.25 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction in Saudi Arabia last year. However, the star all-rounder has been released by the franchise after just one season.

Hasaranga will be one of the players to watch out for at the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16, set to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The Sri Lankan cricketer could spark a bidding war, as he has on many occasions in previous IPL auctions.

Last season, Hasaranga took 11 wickets across 11 matches, including a four-for against Chennai Super Kings. He had a bowling average of 33.73 and an economy of 9.05. With the bat, he managed only nine runs. He was promoted up the order in some games to provide quick runs, but the Galle-born could not perform as per expectations.

While his bowling performance was decent, it was not ideal for an aggressive spinner. The Royals decided to leave him, along with his compatriot, Maheesh Theekshana, ahead of the auction.

Will RR regret releasing Wanindu Hasaranga?

Rajasthan had two experienced Indian spinners in their ranks ahead of last season in the form of R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. However, they decided to release both and acquired the services of Sri Lankan spinners Hasaranga and Theekshana in IPL 2025. Both overseas spinners failed to do justice to their potential.

Now, Rajasthan will ideally look to sign spinners who could be a threat to the opposition, especially through the middle overs. Ravi Bishnoi is set to be a part of the auction and will be among the most sought-after spinners. He has set his base price at INR 2 crore. The Royals have INR 16.05 crore in their kitty and could go all out for Bishnoi as they have most of the other bases covered.

Bishnoi is an experienced campaigner and has also played 42 T20Is, picking up 61 wickets. He could be the match-winner Rajasthan Royals are looking for with the ball.

Rahul Chahar is also another leg-spinner who might interest the Royals. He is also an experienced player and can pick up wickets in clusters through the middle overs.

If Rajasthan are looking to sign an overseas spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi could be a solid pick. While the South African spinner can go for runs, he is a genuine wicket-taker. He has experience on his side and can be lethal on surfaces that provide some help to the tweakers.

Yuvraj Singh's IPL Journey: First Season vs Last Season

Also Read

Yuvraj Singh's IPL Journey: First Season vs Last Season

With several options, both domestic and overseas, available, the Royals might not regret releasing Hasaranga.