SL vs IND: Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka ruled out of ODI series

Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka(Twitter)

Pace duo Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting August 2. Notably, Pathirana is out with a shoulder injury while Madushanka has hurt his hamstring. The hosts will also miss the services of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara as they are out with illness and fractured thumb respectively.

Losing four pacers ahead of a marquee series against India is a major blow to Sri Lanka. They have called up uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz into the squad and the 29-year-old is expected to make his debut as well. As per team manager Mahinda Halangoda, another pacer will be called up as they are still contemplating. However, Binura Fernando will not be that option as the pacer is still recovering from a flu.

“Matheesha has jarred his shoulder, and because it is the same issue that he had during the World Cup last year, they have chosen not to risk it,” Halangoda was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

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After being white-washed in the T20I series, Sri Lanka would hope to make a strong comeback in the ODI format but with many key players from the bowling unit missing, it would be an extremely difficult job. Asitha Fernando is expected to lead the pace unit while Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, the experienced bowlers in the camp, will play a vital role.

When it comes to India, senior cricketers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul have joined the squad. Young pacer Harshit Rana has been called up for the series while Shreyas Iyer, who was denied a BCCI contract earlier in the year, has made it to the 15-member squad as well. It needs to be seen if the Mumbai-born cricketer will feature in the playing XI in the presence of Rishabh Pant.

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The bowling unit, on the other hand, looks sorted. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are set to form the pace unit while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be the spinners.

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