Sri Lanka received unfortunate news as they prepare for their opening match against South Africa in the 2023 World Cup. Maheesh Theekshana, their standout spinner, won’t be available due to a hamstring injury he picked up during the Asia Cup Super Four game against Pakistan. This injury had sidelined him for the final match against India as well.
Initially, there was much anticipation regarding Theekshana’s fitness when he was named in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad. However, he couldn’t join the squad in India for their preparations, which created questions about his availability. Regrettably, only one day before the vital match against South Africa, it has been announced that Theekshana won’t be able to take the field.
Despite strong hopes for a rapid recovery, Theekshana’s injury has regrettably not healed in time for their much-anticipated World Cup start.
This serious setback not only affects Sri Lanka’s spin department but also deprives them of the important services of their spin twins. Hasaranga, who was not part of the initial World Cup roster, can only be considered as a substitute player if he recovers before the competition closes, as he is also sidelined due to injury.
Theekshana has been a crucial asset for Sri Lanka, having taken 44 wickets in 27 games with an excellent average of 23.45, which decreased to 17.45 this year. His relationship with Hasaranga in the middle overs has been a formidable weapon for the club, making their absence a big setback.
In addition to Theekshana and Hasaranga, Sri Lanka will also be without fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who couldn’t recuperate from a ruptured muscle in time for the World Cup. However, there is a silver lining as Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka, who were earlier sidelined due to injury during the Asia Cup, have regained their fitness and are part of the World Cup squad.
As Sri Lanka takes on South Africa in their World Cup opening without these crucial players, fans and cricket aficionados will anxiously await the performance of the remaining squad members as they attempt to make their mark in this renowned competition.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), 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.
