The Kandy Royals have completed the signing of leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the 2026 LPL season, in what is being described internally as the franchise's most significant acquisition of the cycle.
Hasaranga, fresh from a Big Bash season that saw him finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition, returns to the LPL after a one-year absence. The Royals' bowling coach Chaminda Vaas has spent the past three months redesigning the side's bowling plans around the leg-spinner's strengths in the middle overs and the death.
A spin-heavy approach
The Royals enter 2026 with what is openly the most spin-heavy attack in the competition:
- Hasaranga (leg-spin)
- Mahesh Theekshana (mystery-spin)
- Akila Dananjaya (off-spin / leg-spin)
- Praveen Jayawickrama (left-arm orthodox)
The strategy reflects both squad availability and Vaas' read on the pitches at Pallekele and Hambantota, which historically favour bowlers with variations.
The financials
The Royals have not disclosed the contract value, but Hasaranga's signing is understood to be at the upper end of the franchise's salary band — within the cap regulations introduced for 2026.
What it means for the title race
Kandy finished third in 2025, missing out on the Eliminator on net run rate. With this signing and the captaincy renewal of Charith Asalanka, the Royals enter 2026 as one of the pre-tournament favourites alongside Jaffna Kings.
