With only a couple of days to go to finalize the 2023 World Cup squad, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) unveiled the same on Tuesday. Frontline leggie Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera have missed out due to injuries, while Maheesha Theekshana has returned to the fold after missing the Asia Cup 2023 final.
On Monday, Sri Lankan cricket team's medical panel head Arjun de Silva revealed that they are consulting foreign doctors to give Hasaranga the best chance of playing in the tournament. While he is not part of the 15-man squad, the 26-year-old could return midway through the tournament.
Meanwhile, Chameera's pectoral injury was aggravated after participating in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). However, the return of the fast-bowling duo in Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara will relieve the national team. Theekshana has recovered from the hamstring strain, sustained during the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 game against Pakistan, causing him to miss the final against Pakistan.
The selectors have also retained Dasun Shanaka as captain, with earlier reports suggesting that he might step down. The 1996 champions open their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Delhi on October 7th.
Sri Lanka's squad for 2023 World Cup:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Travelling reserve: Chamika Karunaratne
