Cricket World Cup: Hamstring injury may sideline Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is facing the grim possibility of missing the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India, set to commence on October 5. According to the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, Hasaranga has sustained a severe grade 3 hamstring strain, a setback that may even necessitate surgery for his full recovery.

As per reports from ESPNCricinfo, the talented spin-bowling all-rounder’s prospects of gracing the global cricketing stage appear bleak as his injury threatens to sideline him for a significant portion of the marquee tournament. While there may be hopes of his return by the end of the round-robin stage, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) medical committee’s chairperson, Arjuna de Silva, has emphasized that such a decision would entail a substantial risk, as prioritizing Hasaranga’s long-term well-being is paramount.

The absence of Hasaranga would be a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s World Cup aspirations, given his pivotal role as a match-winner with both bat and ball. His absence was keenly felt during the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka faltered in the final against India.

In addition to Hasaranga’s predicament, Sri Lanka is grappling with injuries to other key players. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and spinner Maheesh Theekshana are currently undergoing rehabilitation for their respective injuries. Chameera, nursing a pectoral injury, is making steady progress, and his inclusion in the World Cup lineup remains a possibility. Theekshana, on the other hand, is in the midst of recovery following a hamstring strain sustained during the Asia Cup clash against Pakistan.

On a more positive note, the Sri Lankan team can draw some encouragement from the return to full health of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara. Both players missed the Asia Cup due to injuries, but according to da Silva, they are now in robust condition and poised to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey will commence on October 7 in Delhi, where they are scheduled to face South Africa.

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