Vishmi Gunaratne Taken Off The Field [Source: AFP]Sri Lanka were dealt a worrying blow during the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final against India as one of their key players was forced to leave the field after an awkward incident. Vishmi Gunaratne one of the key players of the squad, who has emerged as an important part of Sri Lanka's batting setup, had a fateful evening in Dubai where an injury incident took an unexpected turn during India’s innings on September 13.Vishmi Injures Right Ankle; Gets Stretchered Off The FieldThe concern for Sri Lanka emerged during the fifth over of India's innings in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Asia Cup 2026 Final. After Shafali Verma worked a short-of-a-length delivery from Chamari Athapaththu towards deep mid-wicket, Vishmi Gunaratne completed the fielding attempt but appeared to get her spikes stuck in the surface while making the throw.She immediately went down clutching her right ankle, with the discomfort clearly visible. The Sri Lankan physio quickly made his way onto the field to assess the situation, but the injury appeared serious enough to require further assistance.The stretcher was subsequently brought onto the field as Vishmi Gunaratne was unable to put any weight on her injured ankle. She was eventually carried off, creating a worrying sight for the Sri Lankan camp during the biggest game of their campaign.Also Read- India vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming, Live Telecast- Where To Watch Women's Asia Cup 2026, Final?Is Vishmi Ruled Out Of The Asia Cup 2026 Final?As things stand, Vishmi Gunaratne has not officially been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2026 final. The Sri Lankan camp has also not provided an official update on the exact nature or severity of her right-ankle injury after she was stretchered off the field.However, the manner of the injury has certainly raised doubts over whether she can return to the field. Gunaratne was visibly limping after rolling her ankle, and she was unable to put weight on her right foot before being carried away. That makes an immediate return to the field appear unlikely.Under the playing conditions, Sri Lanka can use a substitute fielder for her if required, but a substitute cannot simply replace her as a batter as per ICC rules. Gunaratne could still potentially bat later in Sri Lanka's innings if she is fit enough to do so. However, given the injury, even that possibility appears uncertain.How Has Vishmi Impacted Sri Lanka With Her Batting?Vishmi Gunaratne may not have produced the kind of numbers Sri Lanka would have wanted from her during this Asia Cup, but judging her importance solely through this tournament would miss the larger picture. At just 21, she has already become an established part of Sri Lanka's batting structure and offers valuable top-order stability.Across 61 T20Is, Gunaratne has scored 872 runs from 58 innings at an average of 17.44 and a strike rate of 87.90. She has three half-centuries, with a best of 73*. Her numbers have also shown flashes of a more aggressive batter, particularly in 2024, when she scored 475 runs in 23 matches at an average of 25.00 and a strike rate of 95.19.Her record in the UAE is another reason her absence could matter. Gunaratne has scored 226 runs in 11 innings across 12 matches in the UAE, averaging 25.11.So while her Asia Cup returns have been underwhelming, Gunaratne remains one of the younger pillars of Sri Lanka's batting. Also Read- Why Vande Mataram Came Before India’s National Anthem At IND Vs AFG 1st T20I
