The 2026 T20 World Cup is already underway. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka won their first game against Ireland, battling injury problems. It is reported that the team’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was injured during the opening match against the Irish team, after which he was ruled out of the rest of the major event.
Wanindu Hasaranga felt some discomfort after bowling the first over of the game. When he opened his pants after the over, he felt discomfort in his hamstring area and ran onto the field to see the physio. It turned out to be a hamstring problem. However, the leg spinner came on and completed his full four-over spell and took three wickets in the game.
Wanindu Hasaranga to miss the remainder of the World Cup?
Hasaranga was scanned on Monday. According to The Morning report, he is certain to miss the major tournament due to his arrival from the Sri Lanka camp. According to Sri Lanka Cricket officials, Wanindu Hasaranga will not travel with the team to Kandy for the February 12 match as the team awaits medical clearance and further updates from doctors.
Sri Lanka’s premium spinners have been suffering from injuries for the last several years. He was ruled out of the tournament in India due to a major hamstring injury sustained during the 2023 Lanka Premier League. The spin bowling all-rounder also missed the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia due to injury.
Hasaranga broke new records
In the last game, despite being injured, Wanindu Hasaranga created a record as he became the all-time T20 World Cup record holder for most wickets for the island nation. The experienced spinner now has 40 wickets to his name as he has overtaken former cricketer and the team’s current fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga’s previous record of 38 wickets.
Hasaranga is behind former Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has taken 50 wickets in the premier competition. Hasaranga is reportedly set to be replaced by Dushan Hemantha in the team. This will be a big blow for the co-hosts, who were one of the favorites due to their home conditions and spin-friendly wickets.
Irfan Pathan criticizes Jayasuriya for forcing Hasaranga to bowl
Irfan Pathan also revealed how the 28-year-old was forced to bowl with one foot by Sanath Jayasuriya against Ireland. Speaking on Star Sports, he said, ‘Yes, he came back, bowled very well, showed courage, but if his hamstring injury gets worse and the entire World Cup is left, was it right?’
Irfan further added, “He took three big wickets. He dismissed Ross Adair and Harry Tector. Those were important wickets because he dismissed the set batsmen. Then he took a wicket in the end. Overall, if we talk about Wanindu Hasaranga, there was never any question about his skills. His fitness is always in question. One thing was that Sanath Jayasuriya was extremely keen.”
The former Indian fast bowler believes that Sri Lanka put their World Cup campaign in danger by bowling out the spinner despite suffering an injury during the game. Now, the risk has arisen as he may be out of the competition.
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