Wanindu Hasaranga likely to be out of World Cup: Reports

Sri Lanka are set for a major setback ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with reports suggesting that their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga would be ruled out of the showpiece event. 

According to Sunday Times, a publication based out of Sri Lanka, the leg-spinning all-rounder has suffered a Grade III tear in his hamstring, making it impossible for the leg-spinner to recover in time for the World Cup. 

“We are consulting foreign doctors to see whether he needs surgery or not. If he does, he will be out for at least three months. At the moment, the situation is not that great and it’s highly unlikely if he can play the World Cup,” Prof. Arjuna de Silva, Head of the Sri Lanka Cricket Medical Panel, said.

The leg-spinner suffered a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and subsequently was ruled out of the Asia Cup as a precautionary measure with the World Cup around the corner. In his absence, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage took utmost advantage of the situation with a dazzling display in the tournament. 

“Since he is a key weapon in our attack, we are looking at other options to see how best we can get his services at least for important games. All that depends on the opinions of the consultant to whom we are trying to show his reports,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s setback doesn’t end there, with pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera too likely to be ruled out of the upcoming competition. 

“Chameera is bowling at the moment but still complains of pain. We have consulted a doctor in the United Kingdom to see how best we could treat him,” Prof. de Silva said.

Dushan Hemantha, in all likelihood, is set to replace Hasaranga in case the leg-spinner isn’t ready in time for the World Cup. Seamers Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka are set to make a comeback in the setup after recovering from their respective injuries. 

The publication also named the World Cup squad for Sri Lanka, and interestingly, both Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera found themselves a place in the squad, with Dasun Shanaka retaining his role as the skipper of the side despite their crushing defeat against India in the Asia Cup final. 

World Cup squad: Dasun Shanaka (Capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrema, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka

Travelling reserves: Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha