Sri Lankaof T20 World Cup 2026 The campaign was a big failure with the star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga he will not be able to participate in the rest of the tournament due to injury. The hosts confirmed the development after the wrist spinner strained his left hamstring during the first clash against Ireland in Colombo.
The injury not only upset Sri Lanka’s balance but also dealt an emotional blow to a team that relied heavily on Hasaranga’s match-winning ability with both bat and ball.
For Wanindu Hasaranga, sand on the screen despite the apparent concern
Hasaranga suffered the injury in the first match against Sri Lanka Ireland Sunday (February 8) at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. After bowling just one over, the 28-year-old was seen leaving the field in visible discomfort, clutching his left hamstring.
But what followed emphasized his commitment to the national cause. Despite struggling physically, Hasaranga returned to complete his full quota of four overs. Battling through pain, he produced a crucial spell of 25 for 3 that was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 20-run victory. His wickets broke Ireland’s momentum at crucial moments and showed his fighting spirit.
However, it was clear that something was wrong. Observers noted a decline in his usual quickness and sharpness on the field. Post-match medical assessments confirmed the injury would require a considerable recovery period, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament.
A formidable presence in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup
Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s squad. Over the years, he has emerged as the heartbeat of their T20I attack. With 154 wickets in 95 matches, he stands as Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format – a testament to his consistency and impact.
His performances on the global stage are particularly noteworthy. In consecutive T20 World Cups, he claimed 16 scalps in 2021 and topped the win chart with 15 scalps in 2022. These campaigns cemented his reputation as one of the best leg spinners in world cricket.
In addition to the numbers, Hasaranga’s ability to break partnerships in the middle orders and contribute needed runs down the order makes him a rare all-round package. Losing such a player halfway through a major tournament inevitably forces a tactical personnel change.
A replacement has been announced for the ace spinner
The ICC technical committee has approved the fellow leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha As Hasaranga’s replacement for the remainder of the event.
Hemantha, though relatively inexperienced at the highest level, brings promise and recent international exposure. He played five ODIs and three T20Is for Sri Lanka, picking up six wickets between those appearances. His most recent outing came during Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe in September ahead of the Asia Cup, where he impressed with figures of 38 for 3 in the final ODI of the series.
The team management will now hope that Hemantha can rise to the occasion and take charge in a high-pressure tournament environment.
