The 2026 T20 World Cup has witnessed its first major casualty as Sri Lanka’s star player Wanindu Hasaranga is officially out with a hamstring injury. As co-hosts, the Lankans now scramble to adjust their strategy.
Playing Ireland in Colombo on Sunday, Hasaranga pulled up with a hamstring strain. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed the severity, and a UK specialist’s assessment sealed his World Cup fate. He faces four weeks on the sidelines.
Why is this such a game-changer? Hasaranga’s lethal leg-spin and finishing batting have bailed out Sri Lanka repeatedly. His absence leaves a gaping hole in both departments.
Recall his impact in the Ireland thriller: 3-25 dismantled the opposition. After slumping early, Kamindu’s 44 off 19 and Kusal’s unbeaten 56 lifted Sri Lanka to 163-6. Ireland managed 143, powered by Adair’s 34 and Tector’s 40, but fell 20 runs short.
Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, with a modest record of six wickets in eight internationals, is the frontrunner to replace him.
Sri Lanka eyes redemption against Oman (Feb 12, Pallekele), Australia (Feb 16), and Zimbabwe (Feb 19, Colombo). Can they overcome this early hurdle?