Sri Lanka’s hopes of winning the ODI series against India took a hit as star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the remainder of the three-match series due to a left hamstring injury. The injury occurred during the first ODI while delivering the final ball of his 10th over. An MRI confirmed the injury, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to announce his withdrawal from the series.
Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been called up as a replacement for Hasaranga. This unfortunate incident adds to Sri Lanka’s mounting injury woes, with several key players already sidelined. Ahead of the tour-opening T20I series, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara were ruled out due to respiratory illness and a thumb injury, respectively. Further, Dilshan Madushanka’s hamstring injury and Matheesha Pathirana’s shoulder injury have kept them out of the ODI series.
India, who won the T20I series 3-0, emerged victorious in the first ODI after a dramatic tie. The first match ended with both teams scoring 230 runs, with India needing just one run to win in the final over. However, they lost their last two wickets off consecutive balls with more than two overs remaining. Hasaranga had a good performance in the first match, taking three wickets for 58 runs.
The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka will be hoping to overcome their injury challenges and secure a win in the series.
