Malinga predicts tough battle for purple cap; Hasaranga, Chahal in race

Lasith Malinga, who is the bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022, is overseeing Yuzvendra Chahal – a key contender for the purple cap. The Sri Lankan legend, after his fellow countryman Wanindu Hasaranga took the purple cap away from Chahal, made a prediction. He said that the battle in the wicket-takers chart is going to be exciting. 

Also read: One win away from IPL 2022 playoff qualification, LSG take on Rajasthan

Hasaranga, on Friday, claimed 2-15 and paceman Harshal Patel 4-34 but Royal Challengers Bangalore lost to Punjab Kings by 54 runs. With the spell, the former now has 23 wickets against his name, same as Yuzvendra Chahal only better in economy. 

Malinga, who won the purple cap in 2011 with 28 wickets, represented the Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career. With 170 scalps, he is the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL. 

Also read: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul amoung players to be rested vs South Africa: Report

Looking at Hasaranga take the purple cap, Malinga congratulated his compatriot. 

“Congratulations for the purple cap @Wanindu49. Really happy to see Sri Lankan players making a mark once again in the IPL,” tweeted Malinga. 

He further said that the ‘two spin masters’ are up for an exciting contest. 

Also read: IPL 2022: Umesh Yadav returns for KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

“It’s gonna be an exciting battle between the two spin masters, @yuzi_chahal and Wanindu for the purple cap?” he added. 

Chahal, who was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore until last year and was not retained,  responded to the tweet with two heart emojis. He was picked by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 6.50 crore. Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by RCB for Rs 10.75 crore.

Also read: IPL 2022: MS Dhoni’s gift makes MI youngster’s day | Watch

Yuzi Chahal’s season has been marked with a five wicket haul and hattrick against Kolkata Knight Riders. Hasaranga’s fifer came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.