Sri Lanka’s World Cup Hopes Dwindle as Star Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga Faces Likely Exit

Sri Lankan cricket fans are anxious as star player Wanindu Hasaranga battles a hamstring injury ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. The head of Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical panel, Arjuna de Silva, has provided an update on Hasaranga’s condition, revealing that they are consulting foreign doctors to determine whether surgery is necessary. However, it appears increasingly unlikely that the talented spinner will be fit in time for the tournament.

Hasaranga sustained a hamstring injury during last month’s Lankan Premier League playoffs and was forced to sit out Sri Lanka’s recent Asia Cup campaign. With the World Cup opener against South Africa scheduled for October 7 in Delhi, time is running out for his recovery.

Arjuna de Silva expressed the team’s concern, acknowledging that if surgery is required, Hasaranga could be sidelined for at least three months. Given his vital role in the team’s bowling attack, Sri Lanka is exploring all possible avenues to have him available for key matches. The final decision will depend on the recommendations of the consulting doctors.

Hasaranga’s absence would be a significant blow to Sri Lanka, as he has been a standout performer on the international stage. He was the leading wicket-taker in the last two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and also topped the wicket charts in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier earlier this year.

Sri Lanka is one of the last two teams yet to announce their squad for the World Cup, alongside Bangladesh. They have until September 28 to finalize their 15-player roster for the tournament.

As the clock ticks down to the World Cup, the Sri Lankan team remains hopeful but cautious about the possibility of having Wanindu Hasaranga back in action. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition as the tournament draws near.