Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka’s woes deepen as Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara join long injury list

Dilshan Madushanka Bowling. (Photo Source : Gettyimages/Hannah Peters)

Sri Lanka’s injury concerns continue as Dilshan Madushanka is now ruled out of the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup. Fellow pacer Lahiru Kumara too, is doubtful as the defending champions are in a very tight spot at the moment. Dushmanta Chameera, too is ruled out of the competition, while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who finished as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker of the recently concluded Lanka Premier League, is suffering from grade two stain and may not recover in time.

Madushanka had torn an oblique muscle during a practice game, which has ruled him out of the competition. He is currently in rehabilitation as Sri Lanka Cricket is desperately trying to make him available for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5.

When it comes to Kumara, ESPNcricinfo understands that he has suffered a side strain. He will not take as much time to recover as Dushmanta Chameera or Madushanka, but he is considered to be ruled out of the Continental Cup.

Notably, these three pacers have been extremely instrumental for the national team in the ODI World Cup qualifiers and hence, not having them might trouble Sri Lanka in the competition. In their absence, the Lankan Lions are likely to rely on Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana, who all have done reasonably well in international cricket in the recent past.

Pathirana, who was part of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, gained a lot of experience in the tournament and has applied the same in international cricket. Kasun Rajitha, on the other hand, has played 24 matches and has picked up 31 wickets in the process at an economy of 5.91.

Hasaranga might get replaced by left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage or Dushan Hemantha. The selectors have a tough job on their hands as Sri Lanka will play their first game against Bangladesh on August 31 in Pakistan. The team would aim to start well and get into the Super Four of the competition.