Sri Lanka have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their T20I series against Bangladesh, as star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Hasaranga picked up the injury on his right leg while batting during the third and final ODI against Bangladesh, a series Sri Lanka won 2–1. The 26-year-old had played a key role in the series opener, sparking Bangladesh’s collapse with a decisive spell that helped set the tone for the hosts.
The three-match T20I series is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 10 July.
Captain Charith Asalanka confirmed the news on Wednesday and admitted the team would feel Hasaranga’s absence deeply. “He will be a huge loss for us. He is our superstar in white-ball cricket,” said Asalanka.
Hasaranga will now return to Colombo for rehabilitation at Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre. Initially, it was announced that leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay would replace Hasaranga in the squad. However, the team management later indicated that no official replacement would be named, signalling confidence in the depth of their 16-man squad.
With Hasaranga out, Asalanka will lead a reshaped side that includes a mix of senior figures and young talent. The squad features experienced campaigners like Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka, alongside emerging names such as Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Dunith Wellalage.
The series will serve as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka T20I squad:
Charith Asalanka (captain), 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
