SL vs IND: Wanindu Hasaranga adds to Sri Lanka's injury woes, ruled out of series

Sri Lanka have been hit by another major blow for the ongoing One-Day Internationals (ODI) series against India. The latest development has ruled their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga out of the remainder of the series. The reason for Hasaranga ouster is a hamstring injury that may have occurred during the first ODI on Friday, August 02 at Colombo.

This is a big setback for the Lankan Lions, as they are already without Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madhushanka in their bowling unit. The trio also could not make it to the 50-over squad owing to respective injuries. As a result, the formidable force and the most seasoned bowler in the Sri Lankan roster has now been ousted from the important series.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Vandersay is the player replacing Hasaranga for the hosts' squad, an official confirmation regarding that, though, is yet to be made. In terms of bowling, Vandersay is a like-for-like replacement of Hasaranga, being a leg-spinner himself. However, he is not at all a proven or a dependable inclusion with the bat.

Hasaranga had impressed the hosts in the first game, picking three crucial wickets in a tied, thrilling encounter. His contributions with the bat, though, were insignificant. Having shown a decent run of late, the island nation will be desperately missing the leg-spinner's services for the remainder of the series, as the second ODI proves to be a do-or-die match to save the series defeat for both the sides.

Also Read: Sri Lanka vs India, 2nd ODI, Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Speaking of the second match, the game is likely to be interrupted by rain, as the weather forecast on AccuWeather.com suggests a 70 per cent chance of precipitation in Colombo during the match time. In case, the match is delayed or shortened due to rain, choosing to bowl first will be on the mind of the captain winning the toss, as it is always better to know the DLS par score in rain-marred encounters.