Wanindu Hasaranga OUT of Sri Lanka Vs Oman T20 World Cup match; Replacement revealed

Wanindu Hasranga [Source: AFP]In a significant development, star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to miss the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after sustaining a hamstring injury. Notably, Hasaranga will not travel with the squad to Kandy for the upcoming match.According to team sources, the Sri Lanka squad is preparing contingency plans, with spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha expected to be included as a reserve replacement. Wanindu Hasaranga sustains an injury during T20 World Cup matchIt is important to note that Wanindu Hasaranga picked up the injury during Sri Lanka’s opening match of the tournament against Ireland on February 8. Despite the setback, he completed his full quota of four overs, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 24, which proved decisive in Sri Lanka’s win.Wanindu Hasaranga undergoes MRI scan after picking injuryMeanwhile, Sri Lanka’s premier T20I spinner’s participation in the ongoing World Cup will depend entirely on the results of an MRI scan that he underwent following complaints of discomfort in his hamstring.The MRI scan, conducted yesterday, is expected to provide clarity on the severity of the injury. Medical experts in Sri Lanka will first review the report, after which it will also be forwarded to a specialist in the UK before a final decision is taken. Therefore, team management remains cautious, as any rushed call could worsen the injury.Notably, this is not the first time Hasaranga has dealt with a serious hamstring issue. Three years ago, he underwent successful surgery for a hamstring tear in his left leg, an injury that ruled him out of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Given that history, selectors and medical staff are taking a conservative approach to ensure his long-term fitness.Meanwhile, Hasaranga recently etched his name into Sri Lanka’s history. During the match against Ireland, the wrist-spinner became Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history, surpassing legendary pacer Lasith Malinga. It is worth mentioning that Hasaranga, who is playing in his fourth T20 World Cup, now has 40 wickets from just 20 matches, overtaking Malinga’s tally of 38 wickets from 31 matches. Furthermore, he is only 11 wickets short of Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, who currently holds the overall record with 50 wickets from 43 matches. Provided he regains fitness, Hasaranga would have had a strong chance to challenge that record during this tournament.Dushan Hemantha named standbyMeanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket officials have confirmed that Hasaranga will not travel with the squad to Kandy for the February 12 fixture, as the team awaits medical clearance and specialist advice. In the interim, Dushan Hemantha will travel with the squad as a reserve player. Under ICC tournament regulations, any replacement due to injury must receive approval from the ICC Technical Committee, and once a player is replaced, he cannot rejoin the squad later in the tournament unless another injury occurs.If Hasaranga is ultimately ruled out, it would be a major blow to Sri Lanka’s campaign. Selectors are expected to choose between Hemantha and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay as his replacement. Sri Lanka will next face Oman on February 12 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.