Sri Lanka will be led by Dasun Shanaka in the upcoming 50-Overs World Cup in India as fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga were omitted from the 15-member squad due to injuries.
Chameera suffered a pectoral muscle injury during the Lanka Premier League last month, while Hasaranga sustained a hamstring injury that prevented him from participating in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka was defeated by India in the final.
Sri Lanka Cricket stated, “Wanindu Hasaranga has not been included in the 15-member squad as the player is still in the process of recovering from an injury. His recovery will be monitored, and if he is declared fit to play, he will be considered as a replacement in the event of an injury to a squad member during the tournament.”
Hasaranga’s absence will be a significant setback for the 1996 champions, as the 26-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the last two T20 World Cups.
To fill the gap, Sri Lanka has called up leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, and Chamika Karunaratne will be the traveling reserve player.
The team is set to depart for India later on Tuesday and will commence their World Cup campaign against South Africa on October 7.
Sri Lanka Squad:
- Dasun Shanaka (captain)
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dushan Hemantha
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dunith Wellalage
- Kasun Rajitha
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Lahiru Kumara
- Dilshan Madushanka
