Big blow for Sri Lanka as star spinner not included in ODI World Cup squad

NEW DELHI: Battling with injuries, key Sri Lanka players Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera were on Tuesday left out of the 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup.
The Lankan board announced Dasun Shanaka will be leading a depleted Sri Lankan side in the cricketing extravaganza in India, stating that fast bowler Chameera and all-rounder Hasaranga had still not recovered.
Kusal Mendis has been named Shanaka’s deputy for the marquee tournament.
Chameera sustained a pectoral muscle injury during the Lanka Premier League last month, while Hasaranga picked up a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Asia Cup where Sri Lanka lost to India in the final.
“Wanindu Hasaranga has not been included in the 15-member squad as the player is still in the process of recovering from an injury,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.
“His recovery will be monitored, and if he is declared fit to play, he will be considered as a replacement in the event of an injury to a squad member during the tournament.”
Hasaranga’s absence would be a major blow to the 1996 champions considering the 26-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the last two T20 World Cups.
Sri Lanka have called up leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, while Chamika Karunaratne will be the travelling reserve player.
The team leaves for India later on Tuesday and begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Oct. 7.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
Travelling reserve: Chamika Karunaratne
(With inputs from Reuters)