Why is Wanindu Hasaranga Missing the T20I Series Against Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
Sri Lanka's T20I series against Bangladesh will kick off without the talented leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Suffering a hamstring injury during the final ODI, his absence raises questions about how the team will adapt. With a critical ICC Men's T20 World Cup on the horizon, every match counts in refining team dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Wanindu Hasaranga is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
- Charith Asalanka will captain the team in his absence.
- The squad is reshuffled to include experienced players and emerging talents.
- This series is crucial for evaluating team depth before the World Cup.
- Rehabilitation for Hasaranga will begin at the High Performance Center.
Colombo, July 9 (NationPress) - Sri Lanka will be missing their key leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing this Thursday, due to a hamstring injury he incurred during the final One-Day International (ODI) of the recently wrapped series.
Hasaranga suffered the injury to his right leg while batting in the third ODI, which unfortunately rules him out of the T20I segment of the tour. The 26-year-old was instrumental in the opening ODI, triggering a stunning collapse from the Bangladeshi team with a spell that significantly contributed to Sri Lanka's 2-1 series victory.
Despite his crucial role, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has not named a replacement for Hasaranga. He will head back to Colombo to start his rehabilitation process at the High Performance Center (HPC), with hopes of recovering in time for upcoming international fixtures later this year.
In Hasaranga’s absence, Charith Asalanka will captain a revamped Sri Lankan squad aiming to recover from a disappointing T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. The selectors have made multiple adjustments, with seasoned players like Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kusal Perera forming the backbone of the batting lineup, alongside rising talents such as Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando.
The bowling unit will depend on the pace of Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, and Nuwan Thushara, while Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay are expected to handle the spin duties during Hasaranga’s absence.
This three-match T20I series serves as a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to evaluate their squad depth and refine their combinations ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year. With Hasaranga sidelined, all eyes will be on how the remaining players rise to the occasion and continue the momentum from their ODI series triumph.
Sri Lanka T20I squad:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
Point of View
I believe that this situation underscores the unpredictable nature of sports. Injuries can dramatically alter team dynamics and performance. Sri Lanka must adapt swiftly and demonstrate resilience, especially with upcoming international commitments. This T20I series against Bangladesh is an essential platform to evaluate the depth of the squad and prepare adequately for future challenges.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Wanindu Hasaranga's injury?
Wanindu Hasaranga sustained a hamstring injury to his right leg while batting in the third ODI against Bangladesh.
Who will captain Sri Lanka in Hasaranga's absence?
Charith Asalanka will lead the Sri Lankan team during the T20I series against Bangladesh.
Has Sri Lanka named a replacement for Hasaranga?
No, Sri Lanka Cricket has not announced any replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga.
What is the significance of the upcoming T20I series?
The T20I series against Bangladesh provides Sri Lanka an opportunity to test their squad depth ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
When does the T20I series against Bangladesh start?
The T20I series against Bangladesh begins on Thursday.
