BAN vs SL: Dasun Shanaka Speaks On Injuries To Key Player Ahead Of Bangladesh Match, Says 'Can't Stop Injuries From Happening'

Sri Lanka skipper, Dasun Shanaka opened up on the injury problems the Sri Lankan team have faced before they start their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Shakib Al Hasan’s Bangladesh on Thursday (August 31st) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

Dasun Shanaka’s side have been hit hard by injuries and four of their key players will be missing the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

The time of the injuries has been crucial since the ODI World Cup 2023 in India is also approaching and if the players fail to recover it will be difficult for Sri Lanka to make an impact in the tournament.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury will play an effective role in the Sri Lanka squad. Hasaranga suffered a thigh injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023.

The 26-year-old bowling allrounder is currently in his best form and picked wickets in almost every match in the last few months and also been the top run scorer in the T20 league.

Apart from Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lankan pacers, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara will also miss the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023 due to their injury. Dushmantha Chameera picked a pectoral injury.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Madushanka injured himself during Sri Lanka’s practice match before the Continental Cup, and Lahiru Kumara has been suffering from a side strain which forced the selectors to make tough decisions before they start the Asia Cup 2023 campaign, and included Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan in the squad.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong in the way we train or in our effort: Dasun Shanaka

While speaking in the pre-match press conference, Dasun Shanaka said that one cannot stop injuries from happening. Shanaka also stated that there is nothing wrong with the way they train and the team will display an extraordinary performance in the tournament.

The skipper also said that the squad has many experienced players who can make a difference in a game whenever it is needed.

“We can’t stop injuries from happening. Unfortunately, it’s something that’s been happening to our team repeatedly. I don’t think there’s anything wrong in the way we train or in our effort. But I think we perform well under pressure. We have the team to be able to do that, particularly on the batting front. We have experienced players. I think we’ll be able to go far despite that pressure,” Dasun Shanaka said.

Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2023 squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (VC), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Samara Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theeksana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesa Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.