Just before the three-match T20 series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, starting on July 10th, the Sri Lankan team has suffered a major setback. The team's star all-rounder and key spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been ruled out of the entire series due to a hamstring injury.
Sports News: The Sri Lankan team has received a significant blow before the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on July 10th. Star all-rounder and experienced spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is out of the entire series. His absence has been confirmed by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and captain Charith Asalanka. Hasaranga sustained the injury during the final match of the recently concluded ODI series.
Hasaranga Out Due to Hamstring Injury
According to reports, Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during the third and final ODI match. In this match, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 99 runs and won the series 2-1. Hasaranga was seen in a lot of pain during the match and had to leave the field. Afterwards, the medical team decided to rest him for the entire T20I series.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said in a press conference, “The absence of Hasaranga is a big loss for our team. He is our most important player in limited-overs cricket. Jeffrey Vandersay has been included in the team in his place.”
Hasaranga's Role is Crucial in T20 Cricket
According to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, Wanindu Hasaranga has now returned to Colombo, where he will undergo a rehabilitation process at the High Performance Training Center. However, no definite timeline for his return has been released yet. It remains to be seen how quickly he recovers so that he can be available for the upcoming Asian tournaments and the T20 World Cup.
Wanindu Hasaranga has proven to be a match-winning player for Sri Lanka in T20 cricket. He has taken 131 wickets in 79 T20I matches, which is a record for any Sri Lankan bowler in this format. His googlies and variations often trouble opposing batsmen. He not only excels in bowling, but also provides balance to the team with useful batting in the lower order.
Hasaranga's International Career at a Glance
- Test Matches: 4 (Has now retired from Test cricket)
- ODI Matches: 66, Wickets: 108
- T20I Matches: 79, Wickets: 131
Hasaranga has also played many important innings in batting, especially in the T20 format. His absence will be a major blow to Sri Lanka's bowling unit. His googlies and lower-order hitting could have been game-changers for the team against Bangladesh. Now, captain Asalanka will have to work on alternative strategies and young players will have to take on greater responsibilities.
