Sri Lanka has received a big blow prior to the second T20I between them and India. Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been ruled out of the series due to an injury, while Charith Asalanka is a doubtful starter.
The Lankans cannot seem to catch a break. Already in trouble with senior players backing out due to contract issues and three others violating covid-19 protocols and being handed suspensions, they now have to deal with injury woes. Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been ruled out of the T20I series after sustaining a finger injury.
He had suffered a knee injury as well during the ODI series. However, he recovered quickly and was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s win in the third ODI. But now, he’s back on the injury list and was subsequently ruled out.
No end to Sri Lanka’s troubles it seems. Bhanuka Rajapaksa ruled out of the series. Charith Asalanka doubtful with hamstring injury. Team waiting on scan results. Pathum Nissanka got hit in the arm in the nets yesterday and he too is doubtful.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) July 26, 2021
Alongside Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka might also be forced to sit out. According to reports, the left-hander suffered a hamstring injury during the first T20I. He was the only spark in an otherwise shoddy batting performance from the Lankans.
Charith Asalanka’s injury comes as a big blow to the already depleted Lankan side
WATCH:📽 Charith Asalanka's maiden T20I inning | 1st T20I vs India 💥
Full Highlight 👉 https://t.co/evGxMW1cy4#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/o1V5wgG6sC
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 26, 2021
After Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, and Danushka Gunathilaka were suspended for breaching bio-bubble in England, Sri Lanka was left with inexperienced batsmen. They had a torrid time in the UK and failed to win a single game. They were expected to perform better at home against India.
And they did. The Lankans fought well in the last two matches of the ODI series. They failed during clutch moments in the second game but made up for it with a convincing win in the third. Charith Asalanka was a vital cog in the middle-order during the series. He even started off the T20I’s on a brilliant note. Coming in at No.4, Asalanka kept Sri Lanka in the game with a blazing knock.
He scored 44 off just 26 balls, studded with 3 fours and as many sixes. When he was dismissed, the Lankan batting order collapsed. Bhuvneshwar Kumar did most of the damage, picking up four wickets. Sri Lanka will hope to see Charith Asalanka recover in time.
