Sri Lanka suffered a major blow in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old picked up the injury during Sri Lanka’s opening clash against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, where he played a pivotal role in securing a 20-run win. Hasaranga returned impressive figures of 3/25 in four overs, showing his trademark control and wicket-taking ability.
However, scans conducted on Monday revealed a severe tear in his left hamstring, which was later reviewed by a specialist in the United Kingdom. With the injury confirmed as serious, Sri Lanka’s management has reportedly decided to replace Hasaranga with fellow spinner Dushan Hemantha for the rest of the tournament.
This marks the second significant setback for the co-hosts, who had already lost pacer Eshan Malinga to a shoulder injury ahead of the World Cup. Malinga had dislocated his shoulder during the second T20I of the home series against England last month, missing the third game, and was replaced in the squad by Pramod Madushan following ICC approval.
Sri Lanka will now have to regroup quickly ahead of their next group-stage clash against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, followed by matches against Australia on February 16 and Zimbabwe on February 19. The absence of Hasaranga, a key all-rounder and strike bowler, could significantly impact Sri Lanka’s balance, particularly against the top teams in the group.
Captain Dasun Shanaka and the team will need to rely heavily on the remaining bowling attack, including Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Matheesha Pathirana, to fill the void left by Hasaranga. Analysts predict that the pressure will now mount on Sri Lanka’s batting lineup to compensate for the loss of one of their most dynamic players.
Sri Lanka Squad (Updated): Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha.
As the T20 World Cup intensifies, Sri Lanka’s road ahead just became steeper. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will be keenly watching to see how the co-hosts adapt to the absence of one of their game-changers.
