In what comes as a huge blow for Sri Lanka Cricket Team, star leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the World Cup with injury setback. The 25-year-old already missed the Asia Cup due to a hamstring tear and suffered a relapse in injury during recovery. Sri Lanka announced a 15-member World Cup squad on Tuesday.
Apart from Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera has also been ruled out. However, Maheesh Theekshana, who also suffered an injury during Asia Cup, has retained his place despite fitness concerns.
Chamika Karunaratne is the only travelling reserve.
Wanindu Hasaranga blow
The leg-spinner sustained a thigh strain during last month’s playoffs of the Lankan Premier League, where he concluded the tournament as the top run-scorer with 279 runs and the leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets. The injury subsequently ruled the spinner out of the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka will play two warm-up games ahead of the World Cup against Bangladesh on 29 September and Afghanistan on 2 October. They will play their tournament opener on 7 October against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Hasaranga was a vital component during the World Cup Qualifiers held in June and July, where Sri Lanka emerged victorious, securing their spot in the main event in India. He topped the tournament’s wicket-takers chart with an impressive 22 wickets in just seven games.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
Travelling reserve: Chamika Karunaratne
