Sri Lanka has faced a significant setback in their T20 World Cup 2026 journey as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to injury. The co-hosts announced this after Hasaranga suffered a left hamstring strain during their opening match against Ireland in Colombo.
This injury not only disrupts Sri Lanka’s team balance but also serves as an emotional blow, as Hasaranga is crucial to the team’s success with both bat and ball.
Wanindu Hasaranga Shows Grit Despite Injury
Hasaranga picked up the injury during the match against Ireland at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday (February 8). After bowling just one over, the 28-year-old left the field visibly in pain, holding his left hamstring.
However, he showcased his dedication by returning to complete his full quota of four overs. Battling through the pain, he took three wickets for 25 runs, significantly contributing to Sri Lanka’s 20-run victory. His performance halted Ireland’s progress at crucial moments, demonstrating his fighting spirit.
Despite his efforts, it was apparent that he was not at his best. Observers noted reduced agility, and medical evaluations confirmed that substantial recovery time was needed, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the tournament.
A Key Player in Sri Lanka’s T20 Setup
Hasaranga’s absence will leave a substantial gap in Sri Lanka’s lineup. He has become a central figure in their T20I attack, holding the record as Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in this format with 154 wickets from 95 matches.
His performance on the International stage has been impressive, topping the wicket charts in the last two T20 World Cups with 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 in 2022. This has solidified his position as one of the top leg-spinners in the world.
Beyond statistics, Hasaranga’s capability to break partnerships in the middle overs and contribute lower down the order makes him a valuable all-rounder. His loss will impact the team’s strategy during this major tournament.
New Replacement for Hasaranga Announced
The ICC’s technical committee has approved leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha as Hasaranga’s replacement for the remainder of the tournament.
While Hemantha lacks extensive experience at the international level, he brings promise and recent exposure, having played five ODIs and three T20Is for Sri Lanka, with six wickets to his name. His last match was during Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe in September, where he took 3 for 38 in his final ODI of the series.
The team management will now rely on Hemantha to step up and take on the challenge in this high-pressure tournament.
