Injuries strike Sri Lanka ahead of India ODI series

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Amid a poor batting performance in the recent T20I series, Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow as fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka have been ruled out of the ODI series against India, which begins at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selectors are facing a difficult task in finding replacements for the fast bowlers before the ODI series begins after several bowlers were injured.

SLC Selection Committee Chairman Upul Tharanga said Matheesha Pathirana sustained a shoulder injury while diving in the field during the third T20I against India. This injury has prevented him from bowling and has now ruled him out of the ODI series. 

Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka is sidelined with a hamstring injury, which he sustained during a practice session.

To cover up for these injuries, fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been added to the Sri Lanka ODI Squad. Shiraz has played 47 List ‘A’ games, taking 80 wickets at an average of 17.52. He recently achieved his best List ‘A’ bowling figures, taking six wickets for 21 runs in a match against the Kurunegala YCC.

These injuries add to Sri Lanka’s growing list of unavailable fast bowlers. Dushmantha Chameera and Binura Fernando missed the T20I series due to illness while Nuwan Thushara was ruled out after breaking his fingers. 

With five fast bowlers now out of action, new ODI Captain Charith Asalanka faces a significant challenge against a strong Indian Squad.

Nishan Madushka, who has made a strong start to his Test career, is included in the ODI Squad. In his eight Test matches, Madushka has already scored a double century, averaging 42.07.

Meanwhile, SLC said Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan and Jeffrey Vandersay have been added to the squad as standbys.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three ODIs against India in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7, having already lost the T20I series 3-0.

India’s star players, including Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and K. L. Rahul have joind the India ODI Squad.

Sri Lanka Squad:
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando.

India Squad:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, K. L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana.