Wanindu Hasaranga RULED OUT of T20 World Cup 2026

The 2026 T20 World Cup is already underway. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka won their first game against Ireland, has been struck with an injury problem. Wanindu Hasaranga, the side’s star all-rounder, has been reported to miss the remainder of the major event after he picked up an injury during their opening game against the Irish side.

Wanindu Hasaranga had some discomfort after bowling his first over of the game. He felt uncomfortable in his hamstring area after the over, as he untied his pants, and the physio ran out on the field to have a look. It turned out to be a hamstring problem. However, the leg-spinner came and completed his full four-over spell, picking up three wickets in the game.

Wanindu Hasaranga to miss the remainder of the World Cup?

Hasaranga underwent scans on Monday. As per The Morning reports, coming from the Sri Lanka camp, he is set to miss the major tournament. According to Sri Lanka Cricket officials, Wanindu Hasaranga will not travel with the squad to Kandy for the Feb. 12 match because the team is awaiting medical clearance and further updates from the doctors.

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Sri Lanka’s premium spinner has been injury-prone over the years. He was ruled out of this tournament in India due to a major hamstring injury sustained during the 2023 Lanka Premier League. The spin bowling all-rounder also missed the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia due to an injury.

Hasaranga smashes new records

In the last game, despite picking up the injury, Wanindu Hasaranga created a record as he became the all-time T20 World Cup record holder for most wickets for the island country. The experienced spinner now has 40 wickets to his name as he surpassed the previous record of former cricketer and current fast bowling coach of the side, Lasith Malinga’s record of 38 wickets.

Hasaranga is just behind, former Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has picked 50 wickets in the major competition. Hasaranga is reportedly set to be replaced by Dushan Hemantha in the squad. This will be a huge blow for the co-hosts, who were one of the favourites due to their home conditions and spin-friendly wickets.

Irfan Pathan slams Jayasuriya for forcing Hasaranga to bowl

Irfan Pathan also spoke about how the 28-year-old was forced to bowl with one leg by Sanath Jayasuriya, against Ireland. While speaking on Star Sports, he said, "Yes, he came back, bowled extremely well, showed courage, but if his hamstring injury worsens, and the entire World Cup is left, was it right?"

Irfan further stated, "He picked up three big wickets. He dismissed Ross Adair and Harry Tector. They were important wickets because he got set batters out. Then he picked up a wicket in the end. Overall, if we talk about Wanindu Hasaranga, there was never any question about his skills. His fitness is always in question. One thing was that Sanath Jayasuriya was extremely keen."

The former Indian pacer felt that Sri Lanka risked the spinner’s World Cup campaign by bowling him despite suffering an injury during the game. Now, the risk has arisen as he might have been ruled out of the competition.

Also Read: 'Magical rub': Ramiz Raja crosses the line with vulgar double-meaning remark on Wanindu Hasaranga