Lahiru, Madushanka, Theekshana named in Sri Lanka's World Cup squad

Sri Lanka have finally announced their 15-man squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera set to miss the showpiece event. Sri Lanka kept delaying the announcement to allow their premier two bowlers to recover from their respective injuries but have finally run out of time.

Pacers Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka, who didn’t feature in the last Asia Cup, are back in the squad. Maheesh Theekshana, who missed the Asia Cup finale due to a hamstring injury, has also been included. Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige and Binura Fernando are the ones to miss out from the Asia Cup squad.

Hasaranga suffered a Grade III tear in his hamstring, making it impossible for the leg-spinner to recover in time for the World Cup. The ace leg-spinning all-rounder sustained the injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and subsequently was ruled out of the Asia Cup. 

"Wanindu Hasaranga has not been included in the 15-member squad as the player is still in the process of recovering from an injury," the Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. "His recovery will be monitored, and if he is declared fit to play, he will be considered as a replacement in the event of an injury to a squad member during the tournament."

Meanwhile, Chameera hasn't played any cricket since August. The right-arm quick picked up a shoulder injury during the LPL, after just having come back from an ankle injury.

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Talking about Madushanka, the left-arm seamer is coming back from a torn oblique muscle. And Lahiru has recovered from a side strain. Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha are the other two seamers in the Dasun Shanaka-led side.

Theekshana will lead the spin department. Dunith Wellalage, who impressed in the Asia Cup, also seems a certain starter. Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha and Charith Asalanka can also chip in if and when needed.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two warm-up games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan on September 29 and October 3 respectively before starting their World Cup campaign against South Africa on October 7 in Delhi.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), 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.

Travelling reserve: Chamika Karunaratne