Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of his side’s Asia Cup final against India on Sunday due to a hamstring tear.
“He won’t be able to take part in this game since he got a Grade 3 injury, but he will be there for the World Cup,” Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka told reporters on the eve of the title clash in Colombo.
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Top order batsman Sahan Arachchige will join the squad while Theekshana undergoes rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Cricket said.
Theekshana sustained the injury while fielding against Pakistan in a Super 4 fixture on Thursday. He bowled three more overs after, despite being visibly in pain.
The Chennai Super Kings player has played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s final entry with eight wickets at an average of 29.12.
Theekshana is also Sri Lanka’s highest ODI wicket-taker in 2023 with 31 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.45. He will now have a race against time to get fit for the ODI World Cup, with his side playing its first game on October 7 against South Africa.
Sri Lanka has already been struggling with injuries to key players, with pacer Dushmantha Chameera and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga missing out on the Asia Cup.
WITH INPUTS FROM AFP
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