Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 T20 World Cup after sustaining a significant tear in his left hamstring. The injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s group-stage victory over Ireland in Colombo on Sunday, February 8.
Despite the setback, Hasaranga played a crucial role in the 20-run win, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/25 in the second innings. The former captain had entered the tournament as the world’s No. 6-ranked T20I bowler, but his campaign came to a premature and unfortunate end.
Hasaranga was clearly in discomfort during the latter stages of the innings, struggling to bowl at full pace and complete his usual run-up. Even so, he showed immense grit by removing Harry Tector and Curtis Campher, helping Sri Lanka regain control and avert a possible upset.
Hasaranga has endured a recurring battle with injuries over the years, including surgery on his right hamstring in 2023 following the Lanka Premier League, which ruled him out of the ODI World Cup later that season. In his absence, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are expected to draft in Dushan Hemantha as a replacement.
Hemantha last represented Sri Lanka during the away series against Zimbabwe in September 2025.
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Sri Lanka are set to feel the absence of their seasoned spinner, especially on conditions that suit him well. In his absence, the onus will fall on finger spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to shoulder the responsibility for the rest of their T20 World Cup journey.
The severity of Hasaranga’s injury, coupled with his recurring hamstring troubles, has also cast uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming IPL season. Released by Rajasthan Royals after the 2025 campaign, the all-rounder was picked up by the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants at his base price of ₹2 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
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