Injury Woes Hit Sri Lanka and India Ahead of Asia Cup Final Showdown

The stage is set for the Asia Cup final clash between Sri Lanka and India on September 17, but both teams are grappling with key injury setbacks just before the high-stakes encounter.

Sri Lanka, who are hosting the tournament, have been dealt a significant blow as their off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final against India. Theekshana suffered a right hamstring strain during their Super Four clash against Pakistan, and subsequent scans confirmed a muscle injury.

🚨 Injury update 🚨

Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals.

A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury.

Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors have brought in Sahan Arachchige into the squad in… pic.twitter.com/7nSzGhHic2

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 16, 2023

In response to Theekshana’s unavailability, the Sri Lankan selectors have drafted in Sahan Arachchige as his replacement. Arachchige, who has featured in two ODIs, brings a blend of batting prowess in the middle order and off-spin bowling to the squad.

Theekshana’s absence will be keenly felt by Sri Lanka, as he had emerged as a pivotal performer for the team throughout the tournament. The off-spinner had notched up eight wickets in five matches, showcasing his talent with an average of 29.12.

Following the injury diagnosis, Maheesh Theekshana is set to commence his rehabilitation work at the High Performance Center.

Meanwhile, India has also found themselves grappling with an injury setback as they prepare for the Asia Cup final. In a late change to their Asia Cup squad, India has called upon Washington Sundar to replace the injured Axar Patel.

Axar Patel played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final but sustained a left quadriceps strain during their Super Four match against Bangladesh on September 15, rendering him unavailable for the grand finale against Sri Lanka.