Lanka Premier League 2022: One key player to watch out for from each team

Lanka Premier League 2022 is going to kick off on 6 December. This will be the third season of the tournament. Jaffna Kings have won this league both times so far. So, they will play against Galle Gladiators in Hambantota in the tournament opener. Initially, this league got postponed in July due to the economic crisis in the country. 

They had issues conducting that tournament properly at that time. Now, it will be a huge occasion for Sri Lankan fans as this new season of the Lanka Premier League is finally getting started. Players from all around the globe will participate. However, there is one player from each team who can play a vital role in this new season.     

Here is one key player from each team in the Lanka Premier League 2022:

Wanindu Hasaranga, Kandy Falcons

Wanindu Hasaranga (Image Source: Twitter)

This star allrounder from Sri Lanka will look to perform well in this new edition of the Lanka Premier League. He has been the main man for his country in recent tournaments. Currently, Wanindu Hasaranga is the number-one-ranked bowler in the world in the shortest format of the game.

In the Asia Cup 2022, Hasaranga took nine wickets in six matches. Then, in the 20-20 World Cup, he was the highest wicket-taker as he picked up 15 wickets in eight matches. Therefore, Kandy Falcons will hope that Hasaranga will lead from the front with his all-around ability in this new season.    

Sikandar Raza, Dambulla Aura

Sikandar Raza (Image Source: Twitter)

This batting all-rounder from Zimbabwe can be a big hit in this new season of the Lanka Premier League. Sikandar Raza has been the main player for his country in recent series and major tournaments. In the recently concluded 20-20 World Cup, Raza impressed everyone with his all-around abilities.

In that World Cup, Raza was the highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe. He scored 219 runs in eight matches, at an average of 27.37. With the ball, he took 10 wickets in eight matches, at an economy of 6.50. So, Dambulla Aura will hope for a great season from this player with both the bat and the ball.  

Romario Shepherd, Colombo Stars

Romario Shepherd (Image Source: Twitter)

This bowling all-rounder from West Indies can be a player to watch out for in the third season of the Lanka Premier League. His all-around abilities can help Colombo Star to perform well in this new season. Recently, Romario Shepherd was a part of the Abu Dhabi T10 Leagues. However, he did not enjoy a great tournament as Shepherd took just one wicket along with 23 runs with the bat in two matches.

But, in the Super50 Cup in West Indies, he did well for Guyana. Shepherd managed to score two fifty-plus scores along with 10 wickets with the ball in seven matches. So, Colombo Stars will hope to see him in full form with both the bat and ball this season.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jaffna Kings

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Image Source: Twitter)

This team have won both the Lanka Premier League edition so far. So, this explosive Afghanistan batter can be a vital player for this team in this league. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has impressed everyone so far with his ability to play big shots at the top order. Recently, he also managed a new franchise in the Indian T20 League.

The Kolkata franchise traded him from the Gujarat franchise and now, Gurbaz will represent the purple and gold brigade for the next season. However, this batter did not enjoy a good 20-20 World Cup. But, in the recent Sri Lanka ODI series, Gurbaz managed two fifty-plus scores in two ODIs. So, Jaffna Kings will look to win this trophy for the third time with help from this batter.     

Iftikhar Ahmed, Galle Gladiators

Iftikhar Ahmed (Image Source: Twitter)

This star player from Pakistan can be another player to watch out for in this Lanka Premier League. Recently, Iftikhar Ahmed has shown great form with the bat in the 20-20 World Cup and Abu Dhabi T10 League. In that World Cup, he scored 114 runs in seven matches, including two vital fifty-plus knocks.

Then, in the T10 League, Iftikhar scored 49 runs against Chennai Braves, 83* runs against Delhi Bulls, and 54* runs against Deccan Gladiators. With the ball, he managed to take just one wicket in the World Cup. So, Galle Gladiators can hope that his fine form with the bat continues in this new season.