Full Name: Pinnaduwage Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva
Nickname: Waniya
Date of Birth: July 29, 1997
Age: 27 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Galle, Sri Lanka
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Religion: Buddhism
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-hand bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm leg break
Role in Team: Bowling All-rounder
Net Worth: Estimated $3–4 million (₹25–35 crore INR)
Early Life and Background
Galle, a seaside city in southern Sri Lanka, is where Wanindu Hasaranga was born. He shown a strong love for cricket at a young age and, like many young Sri Lankans, started playing with a tennis ball. In Galle, he went to Richmond College, an institution renowned for its cricketing heritage. Hasaranga was a fast bowler at first, but his instructors helped him switch to leg-spin because they thought he could flip the ball and trick hitters. His transition into a leg-spinner signalled the start of an incredible cricket career.
Domestic Career
With his accomplishments in local competitions, Hasaranga swiftly advanced through the ranks after making his first-class debut for the Colombo Cricket Club. He excelled especially in the List A and Premier League Tournament events. His national debut was made possible by his steady play with the bat and the ball, which won him a berth in Sri Lanka A. He was one of the most valued players on the domestic circuit because of his ability to contribute in all areas.
Franchise Career
Wanindu Hasaranga’s ability to finish with the bat and his crisp leg-spin have made him a sought-after player in T20 franchise leagues throughout the globe. Among the prominent teams he has played for are:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL)
- Colombo Stars (Lanka Premier League)
- Quetta Gladiators (PSL)
- Desert Vipers (ILT20)
- Manchester Originals (The Hundred)
Following his success during the T20 World Cup, RCB made significant investments on him. He has established himself as a consistent match-winner in the shortest format thanks to his variations, particularly the googly, and his composed demeanour under duress.
International Career
In his incredible ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2017, Hasaranga became the third Sri Lankan player to record a hat-trick in his first game. He has now developed into one of Sri Lanka’s top white-ball players.
- ODIs: 60+ matches – Over 90 wickets
- T20Is: 60+ matches – Over 100 wickets
- Notable Achievement: Leading wicket-taker in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup
He frequently bats in the bottom middle order and contributes significant runs to Sri Lanka’s spin assault. In limited-overs cricket, he is a complete package because to his significant improvement in fielding.
Playing Style
A traditional leg-spinner with a contemporary twist is the hasaranga. He outfoxes hitters by using flight, variations, and little pace adjustments. Against some of the greatest in the industry, he has taken wickets thanks to his extremely cunning googly. He is a forceful batsman who may change the course of a match in the last overs. His quick wrist action and ability to bowl in pressure situations make him a vital asset, especially in T20s.
Personal Life
Despite his rising stardom, Wanindu Hasaranga is renowned for remaining grounded and modest. He would rather not discuss his private life. He is now single and concentrating entirely on his cricket career. Away from the pitch, Hasaranga likes to travel, spend time with his family, and occasionally post tidbits of his life on social media.
He frequently shares his training sessions and workout routines since he is likewise very passionate about fitness and self-improvement. He is still an inspiration to budding cricket players all throughout Sri Lanka and is a fan favourite there.
Legacy & Impact
Even though Hasaranga is just starting out in his career, he has already had a big influence on cricket in Sri Lanka. He has filled the hole created by Muttiah Muralitharan’s departure from limited-overs cricket and is regarded as the heir apparent to Sri Lankan spin bowling in the post-Herath era.
He has a worldwide reputation thanks to his achievements in ICC competitions, and he is frequently compared to the best T20 spinners, such as Adam Zampa and Rashid Khan. Hasaranga’s transformation from a school pacer to one of the world’s most dangerous leg-spinners is evidence of his commitment, versatility, and talent.
He is anticipated to be a mainstay of Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup for many years to come and continues to motivate young cricket players.
