Sri Lanka Vs India 2017: Chamara Kapugedera Suffers Injury In Nets

Sri Lanka have suffered yet another big blow in the ongoing series against India as their stand-in skipper Chamara Kapugedera is now doubtful for the important third One-Day International on Sunday (August 27).  According to Hindustan Times,  Kapugedera received a blow on his hand while batting in nets and has been taken to hospital for a check-up.

The right-handed batsman was named the captain of the side after Upul Tharanga was handed a two-match ban for Sri Lanka’s slow over-rate during the three-wicket loss in the second ODI at Pallekele.

Upul Tharanga & Co. were found to be three overs short in the match and consequently match Referee Andy Pycroft imposed the ban on Tharanga, who had also suffered a similar fate in the Champions Trophy tournament in June while he was a stand-in skipper for Angelo Mathews.

Meanwhile, losing Kapugedera for the do-or-die will be a huge blow for the Islanders who need to win the upcoming game at any cost to not only keep the five-match series alive but also keep their hopes of securing a direct spot for the next World Cup alive. Currently, ranked eighth in ODIs, Sri Lanka need to win two of the remaining three games to ensure a direct qualification for the 2019 World Cup.

Moreover, Kapugedera’s absence will also give more headache to the team management as it will have to announce a new stand-in skipper. In such a scenario, Dinesh Chandimal or Lasith Malinga can be given the responsibility of  leading the team.  Chandimal is the Test captain while Malinga has led the team in the past. Angelo Mathews is also in the team but he is unlikely to don the captain’s hat just a month after stepping down from the post

Chandimal was a surprising omission from the original squad but was recalled after Tharanga was banned. Lahiru Thirimanne has also been added to the squad.