Sri Lanka is bracing for a significant blow ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to miss the tournament. According to reports from Sunday Times, a Sri Lankan publication, Hasaranga has sustained a Grade 3 hamstring tear, leaving no chance for a timely recovery.

Prof. Arjuna de Silva, Head of the Sri Lanka Cricket Medical Panel, shared the concerning news, saying, “We are consulting foreign doctors to see whether he needs surgery or not. If he does, he will be out for at least three months. At the moment, the situation is not that great, and it’s highly unlikely if he can play the World Cup.”

Hasaranga initially suffered the hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and was subsequently ruled out of the Asia Cup as a precaution with the World Cup on the horizon. In his absence, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage seized the opportunity with an impressive performance in the tournament.

De Silva further explained, “Since he is a key weapon in our attack, we are looking at other options to see how best we can get his services, at least for important games. All that depends on the opinions of the consultant to whom we are trying to show his reports.”

The woes for Sri Lanka don’t stop at Hasaranga’s injury, as pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also facing doubts about his participation in the upcoming competition. De Silva mentioned, “Chameera is bowling at the moment but still complains of pain. We have consulted a doctor in the United Kingdom to see how best we could treat him.”

In case Hasaranga is unable to play, Dushan Hemantha is likely to step in as his replacement. Furthermore, seamers Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka are set to make their comeback to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.

The publication also revealed Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad, with an interesting inclusion of both Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera. Despite their loss to India in the Asia Cup final, Dasun Shanaka has retained his position as the team’s captain.