IPL 2023: Big News for RCB, CSK, KKR as Sri Lankan & Bangladesh players join the squads: In a massive boost and big news for RCB, CSK and KKR, the IPL 2023-bound Sri Lankan and Bangladesh players are now set free to participate in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season sixteen. The players will be available to participate in their respective team’s next assignment.
Interestingly, Tata IPL 2023 got underway on 31st March 2023 with Gujarat Titans (GT) squaring off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While most of the IPL-bound players from different parts of the world had received their No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the elite Indian T20 tournament, a few cricketers were still on their national duties.
With Sri Lanka doing their tour of New Zealand during the first week of the IPL 2023, it was conveyed to the respective franchises that the IPL-bound Sri Lankan players would be a little late to the IPL party. However, it is important to note that the New Zealand players were released by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to participate in the IPL 2023.
The likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga have reportedly landed in India after completing their national duties and will join their respective teams.
Major Boost to CSK
Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will surely provide depth to the CSK bowling unit. While Maheesh Theekshana is a young spinner in the reckoning, Matheesha Pathirana is a right-arm quick bowler. With Deepak Chahar again struggling with his stubborn hamstring, the availability of Matheesha Pathirana becomes important.
During IPL 2022, Maheesh Theekshana scalped 12 wickets for CSK after featuring in nine games. The youngster maintained a decent economy throughout the tournament (7.46).
Litton Das to join KKR
Bangladesh batter Litton Das will also be available for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from April 14. Das was a part of the Bangladesh squad that hosted Ireland for an all-format tour recently. Despite being a consistent performer for Bangladesh, Litton Das is yet to make his debut in the IPL.
Litton Das can be the solution to KKR’s opening woes. The batter has a knack for providing brisk starts to the team and is coming after a sublime T20I series against Ireland. Litton Das mustered 135 runs in three T20Is against Ireland.
Wanindu Hasaranga to join RCB
RCB’s spin department which mostly relied on the services of Karn Sharma and Shahbaz Ahemd so far in the IPL 2023 will get a huge boost as Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga joins the squad. Hasaranga scalped 26 wickets in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, after making his debut in IPL 2021.
With a healthy international experience under his hat, Wanindu Hasaranga will straight away walk into the RCB playing11 as they face Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next fixture on April 15.
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For more details head to IPL’s official website.