Chamika Karunaratne replaces injured Shanaka in World Cup squad

Sri Lanka arrived in India with a hope in the 2023 ODI World Cup. But they kick-started the tournament against a dominant South African side before fellow Asian team Pakistan showed them the gulf of difference. With two losses and a suffering bowling unit, the Island nation prayed that nothing could go wrong further. 

However, it has with Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka ruled out of the ongoing ODI World Cup with a right thigh muscle injury. According to ICC, the all-rounder injured himself during the clash against Pakistan and will require three weeks to recover from the strain fully. 

27-year-old all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has been roped in as a replacement. The all-rounder will now be in contention to play on Monday (October 16) against Australia in Lucknow. 

Other reports also hinted that pace-bowler Matheesha Pathirana is unlikely to play a part in that fixture with an injury. In all likelihood, Kusal Mendis, who is currently the vice-captain will take over the leadership mantle.