In a massive blow for Sri Lankans, Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to be ruled out of the entire duration of the World Cup. The leg spinner, who already missed the Asia Cup due to a hamstring tear, was hopeful of recovering in time for the World Cup. However, during the training, Hasranga suffered another injury. The latest blow will also require the leg spinner to undergo surgery, which possibly rules him out of action for 6-8 weeks.
According to the Sports Hour report, SLC officials are yet to finalize the squad for the World Cup. The deadline given by ICC to finalize the 15-member squad is September 28. The Lankans are set to leave for the World Cup on September 27. SLC still have four days to finlize the replacement for Hasaranga.
Apart from Hasaranga, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also likely to be ruled out of the World Cup. The right-hand pacer who missed the Qualifiers of the World Cup and Asia Cup is still to recover from injury.
Hasaranga’s omission from the World Cup has put Sri Lanka in a tricky position. The leg spinner not only is an asset with the ball in hand, but he is also a very handy lower-order batter. While Sri Lanka did not name any replacement for the all-rounder in the Asia Cup, in World Cup the SLC officials have to name one.
As for now, the SLC selectors are pondering over adding two standby players, Dushan Hemantha, the right-arm leg spinner, and bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne for the World Cup.
