On Tuesday, Sri Lanka announced the 15 players that would represent the country in the World Cup. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and bowler Dushmantha Chameera were not included.
Since Sri Lanka made the announcement just two days before the cut-off date set by the ICC, the two players were unable to get fit in time.
The group is led by Dasun Shanaka, while Kusal Mendis serves as Shanaka’s deputy.
Hasaranga had a thigh strain during the playoffs of the Lankan Premier League a month ago. He finished the tournament as the best run scorer with 279 runs and the top wicket taker with 19 wickets. Hasaranga also finished as the top wicket taker with 19 wickets. As a result of the injury, the spinner was unable to participate in the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Chameera is still rehabilitating from a pectoral injury and is currently unable to bowl ten overs without experiencing any discomfort.
Earlier, the SLC had made a statement to the effect that they would do everything in their power to ensure that Hasaranga would be present. On the other hand, they mentioned the prospect that Hasaranga would be out of commission from cricket for at least three months in the event that he required surgery.
Hasaranga was an essential part of Sri Lanka’s successful run in the World Cup Qualifiers that were played in June and July. As a result of their success, Sri Lanka earned a berth in the main competition that would be hosted in India. He took an incredible 22 wickets throughout the competition, which was enough to earn him the top spot in the event’s wicket-taking list.
Despite the defeat of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka will bring a fairly balanced side to the international competition.
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Kusal Mendis have been promoted to the top-order batting positions, respectively. Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva are going to be the players who make up the middle order.
The team has a wealth of talent in every position, with captain Shanaka serving as the team’s driving force. There is also the possibility of choosing Dhananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, or Asalanka.
In the pace department, you’ll find names like Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara, as well as the up-and-coming talent Matheesha Pathirana. Maheesh Theekshana will be in charge of leading the spin attack, and he will have help from Wellalage and Dhananjaya, amongst other people.
Dasun Shanaka is the captain of the Sri Lankan team, and Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera are all vice captains. Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana,
Reservation for vacationers: Chamika Karunaratne
Before competing in the World Cup, Sri Lanka will play two tune-up matches, one against Bangladesh on September 29 and another against Afghanistan on October 2. In the first game of the competition, which will take place on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, they will face South Africa.