Sri Lanka's cricket team has suffered a massive setback as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series against India. Sri Lanka's former T20I captain has been sidelined from the entire series due to a hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka dealt major blow as Hasaranga ruled out
Wanindu Hasaranga sustained a left hamstring injury while bowling in the first ODI against India. The injury occurred during the delivery of the final ball of his tenth over. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed the diagnosis. However, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Hasaranga, who was also forced to miss the entire IPL season earlier this year due to a heel injury.
Hasaranga adds to Sri Lanka's injury woes
Sri Lanka's bowling attack has suffered a significant blow with Wanindu Hasaranga's injury, joining Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madhushanka on the sidelines. The absence of these key bowlers has weakened the team's bowling depth and deprived them of their most experienced campaigner. Hasaranga's absence will certainly be a big loss for Sri Lanka, especially the way he shone in the first ODI against India. His three wickets were instrumental in securing a thrilling tie. Although his batting contributions were limited, his overall impact on the team was undeniable. With the series on the line, Sri Lanka will sorely miss his all-round abilities.
Hasaranga's all-round performance was crucial for Sri Lanka in the first ODI. He contributed a valuable 24 runs with the bat, sharing a crucial partnership with Dunith Wellalage. With the ball, he excelled, claiming three key wickets including those of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
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Jeffrey Vandersay comes as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Vandersay has been called up to replace the injured Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lankan ODI squad. The experienced leg-spinner, with 22 ODIs and 27 wickets to his name, returns to the national team after his last appearance in January. Following a thrilling tie in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will be eager to build on their momentum and secure their first win over India in the series. A victory in the second match will put them in a commanding position to clinch the series.
Sri Lanka's Updated ODI squad against series against India
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Jeffrey Vandersay , Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
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