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Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Sri Lanka cricket have dealt a massive blow as their star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful for the T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the right-arm spinner recently underwent a minor surgery for his hamstring injury and will also miss the 3rd and final T20I against England on February 3.
For the unversed, the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will start from February 7. Sri Lanka will kickstart their campaign on Sunday, February 8. With less than a week left for the mega-event, it is unlikely that Hasaranga will be fit in time for the important event.
A report by Danushka Aravinda, a senior insider in Sri Lanka cricket, confirmed that Hasaranga underwent a minor surgery recently.
Hasaranga visited Singapore for treatment before the England series
Notably, the blame is being put on Sri Lankan cricket for forcing Wanindu Hasaranga to play the ongoing T20I series against England, because the 28-year-old had injury issues before the tour began. For the unversed, Hasaranga had visited Singapore for a medical check-up,and yet was asked to play in the England series.
At present, the report did not state that Hasaranga will miss the T20 World Cup 2026, but all the actions hint that the spinner won’t be available for the entire event, which is a big blow for Sri Lanka.
Why can Sri Lanka miss Wanindu Hasaranga if he misses T20 World Cup 2026?
Sri Lanka are playing the T20 World Cup 2026 at home, which will favour the spinners. Sri Lanka are one of the favourites because they are the hosts and have one of the finest spinners in the team. Wanindu Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka’s best bowler, as the 28-year-old has 151 wickets at an average of 16.21 and an economy rate of 7.03.
Talking about Hasaranga’s performance in 2025, he was Sri Lanka’s second-leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 12 games. Therefore, Sri Lanka are somehow over reliant on the spinner and his absence will be a big blow to their chances.
Shedding light on Sri Lanka's World Cup matches, they will host Ireland, Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe. None of them are Asian side and will struggle against spin, which is why Hasaranga would have been crucial.
Sri Lanka release T20 World Cup 2026 squad at the last minute
Despite being the hosts, Sri Lanka were the last team to reveal their T20 World Cup 2026 squad. It is likely that the delay was to assure participation of all players and shrug off injury concerns. However, Hasaranga’s injury can result in SLC making a change to their squad. Here is the Island Nation squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
