Wanindu Hasaranga has rescinded his retirement from Test cricket, marking a significant turn of events. He has been named in the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, resulting in his absence from IPL matches until April 3rd. Despite being acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 1.50 crore, Hasaranga will miss the initial two weeks of IPL 2024.
Since reversing his decision to quit red-ball cricket at the end of last year, arguing that he would only play limited-overs cricket, Hasaranga has made himself available for the longest format, which is required for the World Test Championship.
In the red-ball version of the game, the all-rounder has played only four games so far, taking four wickets at an average of 100.75 and a strike rate of 168.50 in seven innings, while he has scored 196 runs at an average of 28 in the same number of innings, including one fifty.
At least until April 3rd, when the final Test match is scheduled, Hasaranga will be unavailable to play at least the first three matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad have three games from March 22 to March 31, but Hasaranga played white-ball cricket for them since returning from injury and was one of the first-choice starters, so his Test comeback is a blow for the franchise.
