Sri Lanka has faced a significant setback ahead of the ODI series against India as fast bowlers Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana have been ruled out due to injuries. This development comes as a blow to the team, especially considering that both Madushanka and Pathirana had notable performances in the recent T20I series between the two teams. Madushanka managed to take one wicket while Pathirana impressed with five wickets in the series.
Unfortunately, they will not be available for the upcoming 50-over format. Madushanka sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring injury during fielding practice, while Pathirana suffered a mild sprain on his right shoulder while diving to take a catch during the third T20I match against India. These injuries have forced the selectors to make changes to the squad.
The selectors have named seamers Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as their replacements. Both Shiraz and Malinga are relatively new to the international scene and have yet to make their debuts. Additionally, Sri Lanka has added Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay as standby players for the series.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced the changes on their official X account, stating, "Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will not take part in the ODI series as the players have sustained injuries. Dilshan Madushanka suffered a left hamstring injury (Grade 2), which the player sustained during fielding at practices. Pathirana has suffered a mild sprain on his right shoulder while diving to take a catch during the Third T20 match vs. India."
The statement continued, "The Cricket Selectors have brought in Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as replacements for the above two. In the meantime, the following three players have been added to the squad as standbys: 1) Kusal Janith, 2) Pramod Madushan, 3) Jeffrey Vandersay."
This situation exacerbates Sri Lanka's existing challenges, as they were already without the services of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara for the recent T20I series against India. Thushara sustained an injury to his left thumb during a practice session, while Chameera has been sidelined due to a respiratory infection.
The Sri Lankan team, now facing additional hurdles, will be up against India in a three-match ODI series starting on Thursday, August 2. The hosts are eager to end their ten-match losing streak across all formats against India. The series follows a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series that concluded on Tuesday, July 30.
With these recent developments, the upcoming ODI series promises to be a crucial test for Sri Lanka as they strive to overcome their injury woes and put up a strong performance against a formidable Indian side.
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