Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup have been hit by injury concerns to key players. Allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who had been in outstanding form, may miss the tournament entirely due to an aggravated hamstring tear and the possibility of requiring surgery. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera’s participation is also uncertain as he continues to recover from a pectoral injury, struggling to bowl ten overs without discomfort. However, spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his hamstring during the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, is expected to be fit in time for Sri Lanka’s opening game against South Africa on October 7.
Chair of SLC’s medical committee, Arjuna de Silva, expressed doubt regarding Hasaranga’s availability, stating that “medically it seems unlikely that Wanindu will be fit” for most of the World Cup. Hasaranga initially suffered a grade 2 tear in the LPL but re-aggravated it during rehabilitation, resulting in a more severe grade 3 tear, compounded by it being a T-junction hamstring injury. His absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s World Cup hopes, given his exceptional performances in both batting and bowling in the LPL.
Chameera, who had previously dealt with injury issues, is now battling the pectoral injury he picked up ahead of the World Cup Qualifier and re-injured during the LPL. The selectors are faced with a tough decision on whether to include him in the squad, as his fitness remains uncertain.
In contrast, Theekshana’s grade 3 tear, while significant, does not involve the T-junction, and he is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
On a more positive note, quicks Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka, who missed the Asia Cup due to injuries, are now close to full fitness. Kumara had been dealing with a recurring side strain, while Madushanka had torn his oblique muscle.
Sri Lanka has yet to finalize their World Cup squad, but they are scheduled to depart for India on September 26, leaving limited time for decisions on player fitness and selection.