Vaibhav Tripathi
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the 15-member squad for this year’s Asia Cup, with four key players unfortunately ruled out due to injuries. Leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who shone as the top run-scorer and highest wicket-taker in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), is absent due to a thigh strain incurred during the tournament.
Additionally, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara won’t be part of the squad due to their respective injuries. Chameera is grappling with a pectoral injury, Madushanka sustained an injury during a practice match last week, and Kumara is sidelined with a side strain. In response to these setbacks, Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan have been brought into the squad as replacements.
Kusal Perera, who is making a return to the ODI squad after a two-year hiatus, is also facing health challenges. He is currently recovering from the flu, as indicated by a statement from Sri Lankan Cricket. Once he recovers, Perera is expected to join the rest of the squad.
Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2023: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vc), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.