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Hasaranga injury forces SL to include surprise spin weapon in PAK T20I tri-series squad

Debashis Sarangi

Viyaskanth called up amid Hasaranga's injury [Source: @KKR_Xtra, @CricCrazyJohns/X]Viyaskanth called up amid Hasaranga's injury [Source: @KKR_Xtra, @CricCrazyJohns/X]

In a significant development, Sri Lanka have called up young spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, with injury concerns looming over experienced campaigner Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed Viyaskanth's selection for the upcoming T20I tri-series through an official press release. 

SL rope in Viyaskanth amid Wanindu Hasaranga's injury

It's worth mentioning that Wanindu Hasaranga has yet to fully recover from a hamstring soreness which he sustained during the ODI series against Pakistan. As the wily leg spinner continues his rehabilitation, Sri Lanka have decided to bring in Viyaskanth for the highly anticipated tri-series, with Zimbabwe participating as the third team. 

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is a 23-year-old leg spinner from Jaffna and has played a solitary T20I for the Island nation, scalping one wicket for 28 runs in his four-over spell. On the other hand, Hasaranga was a vital cog in Sri Lanka's ODI setup against Pakistan, scoring 96 runs and bagging three wickets in the first two matches combined. 

So, his injury is certainly a setback for the Lankans, as they gear up to bounce back with an impactful performance in the T20I tri-series. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka won't participate in the tri-series, having flown back home due to illness. In his absence, veteran allrounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan contingent in the T20I tri-series. 

Sri Lanka's updated squad for T20I tri-series

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka will kick off their T20I tri-series campaign with a cracking encounter against Zimbabwe on November 20. All teams will face each other twice, with the top two sides qualifying for the final of the competition.