Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup [Source: X]The Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered a massive injury jolt as their star spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Sri Lanka’s opening match vs Ireland. The spinner managed to bowl four overs against the Irish side, but in the process, he aggravated the injury.The SLC management has announced a like-for-like replacement as 31-year-old spinner, Dushan Hemantha, has been added in the squad, and the wily leg-break bowler is likely to play in Sri Lanka’s next T20 World Cup clash.According to ESPNCricinfo, Hasaranga underwent an MRI scan on Tuesday, and the reports revealed that the spinner had a serious tear in his left hamstring, and he won’t be able to take any further part in the tournament.What happened to Hasaranga in the Ireland clashIn the T20 World Cup match vs Ireland, Hasaranga was introduced in the 8th over by the skipper, and just two deliveries into his opening spell, disaster struck. The 28-year-old hurt his hamstring and looked in discomfort as the physio came out in the middle.The wily spinner managed to complete his over, but he then walked off the field, which was the first worrying sign for his team. However, the leg-break bowler returned on the field and completed his quota of 4 overs while also picking 3 wickets for just 25 runs.Hasaranga's history of injuriesHasaranga is an exceptional spinner and is Sri Lanka’s best weapon in the shortest format; however, he is an injury-prone bowler, and the hamstring issues have troubled him in the past as well. Since 2023, his cricketing journey has revolved around battling his own body.The spin-bowler missed the Asia Cup and the World Cup in 2023 due to a Grade 3 tear, and in 2024, he suffered from chronic heel pain as his career was marred by injuries. Prior to the T20 World Cup 2026, Hasaranga underwent a minor shoulder surgery for a shoulder dislocation, and he was cleared at the last moment to take part in the marquee event.Now, Sri Lanka’s road to the Super 8 has become difficult as their best bowler has been ruled out of the squad.Who is Hemantha? Hasaranga's replacementSri Lanka has made a smart move as the management has revealed a like-for-like Hasaranga replacement for the ongoing World Cup. The leg-break bowler was also a part of the Sri Lankan team for the 2023 World Cup in India, and has so far played 8 international games for his nation.He last played for his team during the T20I series against Zimbabwe in 2025, and has since been ignored by the management. With Hasaranga out, the team needed a solid replacement, someone who could mimic what Hasaranga does for the team, and Hemantha was the best choice. He is a wicket-taking spinner, and the spin-friendly wickets in Sri Lanka will help his bowling.
