In what comes as a major blow for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to get ruled out of the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The star all-rounder missed out on the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2023 with an injury that he suffered in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. However, it has been learned that Hasaranga hurt his hamstring during his rehabilitation which dashed all hopes of his return for the showpiece event in India.
As ESPN Cricinfo reported last month, Hasaranga suffered a thigh strain that kept him away from action in the LPL final and the subsequent Asia Cup 2023. Though the Lankans expected his return in the Super Four stage of the tournament. But a few other media reports claimed that the all-rounder picked up a hamstring injury during his rehab which ended his comeback chances.
Hasaranga has been one of Sri Lanka’s most important bowlers and wicket-takers. He is the highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in ODI’s since the 2019 World Cup with 58 wickets in 39 matches with a strike-rate of 34.8 and averaging 4.84.
He was outstanding in the Lanka Premier League as well. He finished the tournament as both the highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker as well, a rare feat to achieve. He got 279 runs in 9 games and picked 19 wickets as well.
Hasaranga had also made a partnership with fellow countryman, Maheesh Theekshana as well with the duo proving to be a lethal combination, especially in tracks which are spin-friendly.
The loss of Hasaranga will add to their injury woes as the pacer, Dushmanatha Chameera is also out of the World Cup due to a shoulder injury.
The major losses to the side’s bowling attack could likely hamper Sri Lanka’s chances of securing a World Cup with many sides like India, England etc. boasting serious bench strength.
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