Cricket

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka's star all-rounder, will lead the team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Hasaranga missed the entire 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a heel injury but has since made his return in Sri Lanka's ongoing T20 practice games.Sri Lanka has been placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa. They will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 3 in New York before facing Bangladesh in Dallas on June 8. Their final two group matches will be against Nepal in Florida on June 12 and Netherlands in St Lucia on June 17.Hasaranga's return to fitness is a major boost for Sri Lanka, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament. The 26-year-old is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world, capable of both destructive batting and economical bowling.Sri Lanka's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:* Wanindu Hasaranga (captain)* Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)* Kusal Mendis* Pathum Nissanka* Kamindu Mendis* Sadeera Samarawickrama* Angelo Mathews* Dasun Shanaka* Dhananjaya de Silva* Maheesh Theekshana* Dunith Wellalage* Dushmantha Chameera* Matheesha Pathirana* Nuwan Thushara* Dilshan MadushankaTraveling reserves:* Asitha Fernando* Vijayakanth Viyaskanth* Bhanuka Rajapaksa* Janith LiyanageSri Lanka will be hoping to improve on their performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the Super 12 stage. With Hasaranga leading the charge, they will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, is facing an extended absence from the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad due to persistent pain in his left heel. Despite playing through discomfort in Sri Lanka's recent limited-overs series against Bangladesh, Hasaranga's condition has raised concerns among medical experts.Sri Lanka Cricket's medical staff suspect that the pain stems from wear and tear in the musculo-skeletal apparatus of Hasaranga's left heel. To determine the exact nature of the injury and devise an appropriate management plan, Hasaranga has been advised to seek further medical consultation overseas. He is expected to travel out of Sri Lanka next week for this purpose.As a result of his ongoing medical consultations, Hasaranga has yet to join the Sunrisers squad. The target for both the player and Sri Lanka Cricket is the T20 World Cup in June, where Hasaranga is slated to captain the national team. However, if his condition requires additional rest, treatment, or rehabilitation, his return to the IPL could be further delayed.Hasaranga's absence is a significant blow to the Sunrisers, who acquired him for INR 1.5 crore (approx. USD $181,000) at the recent auction. The all-rounder had a stellar IPL season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022, claiming 26 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.54.The Sunrisers will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Hasaranga, as his all-round abilities would be a valuable asset to their team. However, the player's health and long-term fitness remain the top priority, and the franchise will support him in his efforts to manage his injury effectively.