NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is unlikely to participate in the upcoming 50-overs World Cup in India due to a hamstring injury, despite efforts by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to aid his recovery, according to reports citing a team doctor.
Hasaranga sustained the injury during the Lanka Premier League last month and subsequently missed the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka finished as runners-up to India. SLC medical panel chief Arjuna de Silva stated, "We are consulting foreign doctors to see whether he needs surgery or not. If he does, he will be out for at least three months. At the moment, the situation is not that great, and it’s highly unlikely if he can play the World Cup."
Hasaranga's absence would be a significant setback for Sri Lanka, given his role as the leading wicket-taker in the last two T20 World Cups. Sri Lanka has until September 28 to announce their 15-member squad for the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on October 5.
De Silva mentioned that SLC is exploring various options to potentially get Hasaranga fit for some crucial matches in the World Cup, stating, "Since he is a key weapon in our attack, we are looking at other options to see how best we can get his services at least for important games. All that depends on the opinions of the consultant to whom we are trying to show his reports."
Additionally, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also at risk of missing the World Cup due to a pectoral muscle injury. De Silva mentioned that Chameera has been experiencing pain despite resuming bowling and that they have consulted a doctor in the United Kingdom to determine the best course of treatment for him.
(With Reuters inputs)
