IND vs SL: Star Sri Lanka Pacers Ruled Out Of India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series

Sri Lanka faces a significant setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against India, which begins on August 2, with the announcement that pace bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will not be participating. Pathirana has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, while Madushanka has suffered a hamstring injury. Additionally, the team will also be without Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with an illness, and Nuwan Thushara, who has a fractured thumb. The absence of these four key pacers presents a major challenge for Sri Lanka, particularly with the high-profile nature of the series against India. To address this void, the selectors have included uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz in the squad.

Sri Lanka announce replacements for the injured Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka

The 29-year-old Shiraz is expected to make his debut in the series. Team manager Mahinda Halangoda has indicated that another pacer might be added to the squad, but the decision is still under consideration. Binura Fernando, another potential replacement, will not be an option as he is still recovering from a bout of flu. This situation leaves Sri Lanka with a weakened bowling attack as they prepare to face a strong Indian side, putting additional pressure on the remaining bowlers and potentially impacting their strategy for the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODI series.

🚨 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), the player sustained during fielding at practices.
Pathirana has suffered a mild sprain on… pic.twitter.com/t5hqtTPdKC

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 1, 2024

“Matheesha has jarred his shoulder, and because it is the same issue that he had during the World Cup last year, they have chosen not to risk it,” Team manager Mahinda Halangoda said in a latest video. 

After suffering a clean sweep in the T20I series, Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong comeback in the ODI format. However, their task is complicated by the absence of several key bowlers from their squad. With Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara all out due to injuries or illness, the Sri Lankan bowling attack is significantly weakened. In response, Asitha Fernando is expected to lead the pace attack. Meanwhile, experienced bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will be crucial in providing stability and support in the spin department.

On the Indian side, senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul have joined the squad, bringing added experience and depth. Additionally, young pacer Harshit Rana has been included in the squad for the series, reflecting the team’s intent to infuse fresh talent. Shreyas Iyer, who had been overlooked for a BCCI contract earlier in the year, has also made the 15-member squad. It remains to be seen if Iyer will secure a spot in the playing XI, especially with Rishabh Pant also vying for a place. This series will test both teams, with Sri Lanka aiming to overcome their bowling challenges and India looking to build on their recent success.