Indian Premier League

IPL 2022: Hasaranga dismissing Shreyas Iyer was the game-changing moment – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reckons Wanindu Hasaranga dismissing Shreyas Iyer was the game-changing moment after Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Wednesday.

Hasaranga returned with impressive bowling figures of 4-20 in his quota of four overs and thus he played a key role in skittling out the opposition at 128 runs.

The Sri Lankan leg-spinner was also awarded the Player of the Match for his fine bowling show. Meanwhile, Hasanranga was roped in for a whopping amount of INR 10.75 crores by RCB in IPL 2022 mega auction and Chopra feels the spinner has justified his price tag.

Aakash Chopra said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “RCB bought Wanindu Hasaranga for such a huge amount. He has justified his price tag. RCB had the desire to get two points in their kitty and he took four wickets. He was also on a hat-trick. He bowled extremely well, was absolutely on the spot.”

Chopra admitted that the conditions were conducive for spin bowling in the first innings but Hasaranga deserves all the credit for exploiting them.

“Sometimes you also feel that a leg-spinner looks different when you bowl first. But when it comes to the second innings, Varun Chakravarthy looks different. But let’s not take anything away from Wanindu Hasaranga.”

On the other hand, Hasaranga got the big wicket of KKR captain Shreyas Iyer when the right-hander decided to take the attack against the spinner. However, Iyer found Faf du Plessis at long-on and the former KKR player believes it was a game-changing moment.

“He conceded just 20 runs in his four overs, picked up four wickets and in that Shreyas Iyer’s wicket, I think that was the game-changer. When he took that wicket, the story changed suddenly.”

In fact, RCB was given a perfect start by their fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep to leave KKR at 44-3 after the powerplay overs. Ergo, Hasaranga was able to maintain the pressure in the middle overs as KKR lost six wickets for 57 runs from overs 7-15.

“The fast bowlers were already taking wickets, they (RCB) had gotten off to a good start. You had dismissed Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana and Ajinkya Rahane – you were getting everyone out with bouncers but I felt spin to win might not be possible but it happened.”

RCB will next lock horns against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024