World Cup 2023: Big Blow for Sri Lanka as Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled out of Lankan WC Squad

World Cup 2023 Big Blow for Sri Lanka as Wanindu Hasaranga out of Lankan WC Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to be ruled out of the entire World Cup, which is a huge blow for Sri Lankans. The leg spinner, who had already missed the Asia Cup because of a hamstring tear, hoped to recover before the World Cup.

Nevertheless, Hasaranga suffered another injury during training. Also, the leg spinner will need surgery after the most recent blow, which may keep him out of action for 6-8 weeks.

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As per Sports Hour report, SLC officials are yet to finalize the squad for the World Cup. The deadline given by ICC to finalize the 15-member squad is September 28. The Lankan are set to leave for the World Cup on September 27. SLC still has four days to finalize the replacement for Hasaranga.

Apart from Hasaranga, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also likely to be out of the World Cup. The right-hand pacer who missed the World Cup and Asia Cup Qualifiers is still recovering from injury.

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Hasaranga’s absence from the World Cup has put Sri Lanka in a difficult situation. Leg spinners are great for lower-order batters when you have the ball in your hand. While Sri Lanka did not name a replacement for the all-rounder in the Asia Cup, the SLC officials have to name one in the World Cup.

Squad:

Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara

As for now, the SLC selectors are pondering over adding two standby players, Dushan Hemantha, the right-arm leg spinner, and bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne for the World Cup.