Sri Lanka have suffered a major injury blow as their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series.
According to Sri Lankan media reports, the former T20I captain has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Reports have not indicated the severity of the injury. While Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the remaining two ODIs of the ongoing series, Sri Lanka is hoping that the injury is not serious and that he will not spend much time on the sidelines.
Sri Lanka’s next assignment in limited overs will be in October when they will play three ODIs and as many T20Is against the West Indies. Earlier this year, the star player had to miss the entire IPL season due to a heel injury and he will be hoping to recover soon from his latest injury setback.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence will be a major blow for Sri Lanka, who are looking to secure a famous series win against India. The leg-spinner had played a key role with both bat and ball in the first ODI, helping his team to a thrilling draw. Sri Lanka had managed to score a modest total of 230/8 but still managed to draw the game by bowling out India for 230 runs in 48 overs.
Major blow: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of India ODI series image.twitter.com/XhT7XGUEit
– Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) August 3, 2024
Wanindu Hasaranga made an impact with both bat and ball in the game. With the bat, he played a crucial knock of 24 runs for his team and shared a 36-run stand with Dunith Wellalage. Later in the game, he shined with the ball and took three wickets. He took the big wickets of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul before sending back Kuldeep Yadav as well.
Replacement of Wanindu Hasaranga:
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has reportedly replaced Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad. Vandersay last played for Sri Lanka in January this year during the home ODI series against Zimbabwe. He has played 22 ODIs so far and has picked up 27 wickets. The 34-year-old has also played 1 Test and 14 T20Is.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be confident from their performance in the last match and will be looking for their first win over India in the ongoing series. They were earlier defeated in the three-match T20I series before drawing the first ODI. A win in the second ODI would give Sri Lanka an unassailable lead.
