T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka Lose Key Player, Replacement Announced
Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign takes a hit after a key player is ruled out due to injury; selectors name his replacement.
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Sri Lanka has faced a major injury blow in their campaign of the T20 World Cup 2026 as their star all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been ruled out of the competition with a hamstring injury that he suffered during the opening game against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo a couple of days ago. Sri Lanka earned a fine victory in that fixture.
Although Wanindu Hasaranga completed his spell, with figures of 3/25 in four overs to go through the middle order of the opposition in the chase of 164, he had an MRI scan after the match day, and that revealed a serious tear in his hamstring. The report was seen by a specialist in the United Kingdom before he was ruled out on February 10.
The reports have claimed that the new injury is related to the previous hamstring injury that he had. However, it’s not a recurrence exactly, as he battled it for several years now, including a foot complaint. He bowled the three overs with the injury, using the short run-up of a few steps against Ireland.
Sri Lanka to Get Approval for Dushan Hemantha in T20 WC 2026
Sri Lanka are expected to receive official clearance from the International Cricket Council as part of the ICC approval process to confirm Dushan Hemantha as the replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Hasaranga’s absence has prompted the selectors to act swiftly, with Hemantha emerging as a like-for-like option in the team.
The leg-spin all-rounder brings a similar skill set, strengthening Sri Lanka’s squad depth at a crucial stage of the tournament. The 31-year-old has featured in three T20Is so far, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 7.85, while also contributing with the bat when required.
Given the lack of specialist spin options available, Sri Lanka may consider slotting Hemantha straight into the playing XI for their upcoming match. His inclusion fits the broader spin-bowling replacement narrative, with team management looking to maintain balance despite losing their most influential T20 bowler.
Across 66 T20 matches, the Colombo-born all-rounder has scored 895 runs at a strike rate of 120.94 and claimed 82 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.60, highlighting his effectiveness in both departments.
Hasaranga’s loss remains a significant blow for Sri Lanka. He is the country’s leading wicket-taker in the format and has enjoyed notable success in T20 World Cups, claiming 40 wickets at an economy rate of 6.01 in 20 innings. Sri Lanka will next face Oman on February 12 in Kandy, with the squad adjustment expected to be finalised before that fixture.
FAQs
Q1. Why does Sri Lanka need ICC approval for Dushan Hemantha?
Sri Lanka must follow the ICC approval process to register Hemantha as an injury replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga officially.
Q2. Who is replacing Wanindu Hasaranga in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Leg-spin all-rounder Dushan Hemantha has been named as Hasaranga’s replacement, pending final ICC clearance.
Q3. How does Hemantha’s inclusion affect Sri Lanka’s squad depth?
Hemantha strengthens Sri Lanka’s squad depth by offering both spin bowling and lower-order batting options.
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