Blow for Sri Lanka! Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of ODI series against India, replacement revealed

Sri Lanka have suffered a huge injury blow as their star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series.

According to reports in Sri Lankan media, the former T20I captain has been sidelined owing to a hamstring. The reports have not stated the seriousness of the injury. While Wanindu Hasaranga will be missing the remaining two ODIs of the ongoing series, Sri Lanka will be hoping that the injury is not serious and he does not spend a long time on the sidelines.

Sri Lanka's next limited-overs assignment is in October when they play three ODIs and as many T20Is against West Indies. Earlier this year, the star player had to miss the entire IPL season due to a heel injury and will be hoping that he recovers soon from his latest injury setback.

Missing Wanindu Hasaranga will be a huge blow for Sri Lanka as they look to register a famous series win over India. The leg-spinner had played a key role with both bat and ball in the first ODI, helping his side pull off a thrilling tie. Sri Lanka had managed to score a modest total of 230/8 but still managed to tie the game as they bowled out India for 230 runs inside 48 overs.

Major blow : Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the India ODI series pic.twitter.com/XhT7XGUEit

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) August 3, 2024

Wanindu Hasaranga made an impact with both bat and ball in the game. With the bat, he played a crucial 24-run knock for his side and shared a 36-run stand with Dunith Wellalage. Later in the game, he starred with the ball and picked up three wickets. He picked up the big wickets of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul before sending back Kuldeep Yadav as well.

Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement:

As per reports, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has replaced Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad. Vandersay last played for Sri Lanka in January this year during the home ODI series against Zimbabwe. He has played 22 ODIs so far and picked up 27 wickets. The 34-year-old has also played 1 Test and 14 T20Is.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be taking confidence from their performance in the past game and will be eyeing their first win over India in the ongoing series. Earlier, they were whitewashed in the three-match T20I series before tying the first ODI. A win in the second ODI will give Sri Lanka an unassailable lead.