SL vs BAN 2025: RR star player ruled out of Bangladesh T20Is with hamstring injury

Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow ahead of their home T20I series against Bangladesh, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The leg-spinner sustained the injury during the recently concluded ODI series but still featured in the final match, where he picked up two wickets and scored a useful unbeaten 14. However, despite undergoing MRI scans, Hasaranga is not expected to recover in time for the T20Is, starting July 10 in Kandy.

Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s lineup. A proven match-winner in the shortest format, he has played 79 T20Is, taking 131 wickets at an economy of under seven, while also contributing over 700 runs with the bat. His deceptive variations, especially the googly and quicker ones, make him a constant threat, particularly on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches. Against Bangladesh, he has six wickets in just four T20I innings.

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Sri Lanka Look to Fill Hasaranga Void as T20I Series Against Bangladesh Begins

The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for the hosts, who were hoping to carry momentum from their 2-1 ODI series win. Sri Lanka started that series with a dominant 77-run victory, slipped in the second match, but bounced back in style to win the decider by 99 runs in Pallekele. Kusal Mendis starred with a century, while skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed a fifty. The bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera, made light work of the Bangladesh batting in the final ODI.

The T20I series kicks off on July 10 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second match is scheduled for July 13 in Dambulla, followed by the third and final game on July 16 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

With Hasaranga out, Sri Lanka may look towards young leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage or an extra seamer, depending on the conditions. But replacing a player of Hasaranga’s all-round calibre will not be easy, and his absence could tilt the balance slightly in Bangladesh’s favour.