Sri Lanka`s preparations for the upcoming T20 International series against Bangladesh have suffered a significant blow with the confirmation that star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the matches due to a hamstring injury.
Hasaranga, considered a linchpin of Sri Lanka`s white-ball bowling attack and often capable with the bat, sustained the injury to his right leg while batting during the recently concluded ODI series, which Sri Lanka won 2-1. The timing of the injury is particularly unwelcome as it sidelines a key player just as the focus shifts to the shortest format.
Captain Charith Asalanka did not mince words about the impact of Hasaranga`s absence, labeling him a “huge loss” and emphatically stating he is their “superstar in white-ball cricket.” Such a description highlights the void left by a player who can turn matches with both ball and, increasingly, bat.
In Hasaranga`s absence, fellow leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been named as his replacement in the squad. While Vandersay offers a similar bowling skillset, matching Hasaranga`s all-round influence and wicket-taking ability will be a significant challenge for the team.
However, Sri Lanka receive a timely boost with the return of experienced all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne to the T20 setup. Their inclusion provides much-needed depth and experience to the squad navigating this transition period.
Captain Asalanka elaborated on the expected roles of the returning players. Shanaka is anticipated to offer flexibility in the batting order, likely slotting in around number six depending on the match situation and the need for power-hitting or stability. Karunaratne is set to provide crucial depth as a bowling all-rounder, possibly featuring lower down the order at number seven, contributing with both bat and ball.
“We expect Dasun and Chamika to handle the all-round responsibilities,” Asalanka stated, underscoring their importance. He added that Shanaka`s role “could be a floating one” based on game scenarios, while Chamika “will add depth to our lower-middle order,” suggesting their roles are clearly defined within the team structure.
Beyond immediate personnel changes, Asalanka also touched upon the team`s broader strategic objectives. The squad is reportedly targeting a place within the top five of the T20I rankings, a goal the captain acknowledged is a “process” requiring sustained “consistency.” He openly admitted the team is still “working on finalising our best combination and identifying players for those crucial spots,” indicating that despite recent successes, the ideal T20 blueprint is still under development.
Looking ahead to the series itself, Asalanka sees Bangladesh as a formidable opponent. He noted that both teams appear to share similar challenges regarding experience in certain areas, predicting a “tough series.” Based on his assessment of the pitch conditions, which he described as good for batting, he expressed confidence in the team`s ability to “post scores of 180-plus” if they execute their plans effectively, setting a clear target for the batting unit.
Across the aisle, Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das offered his perspective, particularly addressing the preceding 1-2 loss in the ODI series. Litton was quick to compartmentalize, emphasizing that “T20 is a different format” and that the team understands the demands of playing it. “That`s what I will focus on,” he asserted, signalling a clear shift in mindset from the longer format.
Litton also reflected on his own performance in the ODIs, acknowledging it “didn`t meet expectations,” which consequently led to him being benched for certain matches. However, he framed that period as an opportunity for preparation, stating he “tried to practice for T20s” during his time off the field and now intends to “use that preparation in the games.” This suggests a focused approach to bouncing back in the T20 format.
With Wanindu Hasaranga`s absence creating an unexpected challenge for Sri Lanka, offset partially by the return of key all-rounders, and Bangladesh looking to rebound under Litton Das`s T20 leadership after their ODI series loss, the upcoming contest promises to be a compelling battle of strategies and execution as both teams vie for dominance in the shortest format.
