Wanindu Hasaranga’s ‘Pushpa’ act steals the show in Guwahati

Dubai: Wanindu Hasaranga had Chennai Super Kings in a spin — literally and figuratively — during their Indian Premier League clash in Guwahati on Sunday. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner’s four-wicket haul for 45 runs derailed Super Kings’ chase, leading to a narrow six-run defeat.

Hasaranga’s victims included Vijay Shankar — bamboozled by a deceptive googly — along with Chennai skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, and Shivam Dube. But it wasn’t just his bowling that caught attention; his celebrations had a distinct flair.

After every wicket, Hasaranga flashed a signature hand gesture — none other than the now-iconic move made famous by South Indian superstar Allu Arjun in the Telugu blockbuster Pushpa.

So, what’s the story behind it? Simple: Hasaranga’s love for South Indian films.

“I love watching Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil movies, and I got that from Pushpa,” the 27-year-old Galle-born spinner revealed during the post-match presentation.

Fearless approach

He isn’t the first cricketer to embrace the Pushpa style — Australian opener David Warner, a known Bollywood buff, has also performed the gesture in the past, even sharing dance videos inspired by Indian cinema.

Much like the fearless protagonist in Pushpa, Hasaranga ruled the night in Guwahati, making the most of a sticky wicket to leave batters in distress.

“I just tried to stick to the basics, bowl at the stumps, and mix it up towards the end,” he said.

In the end, it was a blockbuster script for Rajasthan Royals, as they clinched their first win of the season.