Sri Lanka Cricket In Disarray: Key Players Injured Before India ODI Series

IND vs SL: Sri Lanka cricket faced a setback as pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka were ruled out of the ODI series against India starting August 2 in Colombo.

Pathirana's injury is a significant blow for Sri Lanka. He was their top wicket-taker in the T20I series, claiming five wickets at an average of 11.

Matheesha Pathirana sustained a shoulder injury while fielding during the third T20I against India on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring injury during a practice session.

"Dilshan Madushanka suffered a left hamstring injury (Grade 2), the player sustained during fielding at practices. Pathirana has suffered a mild sprain on his right shoulder while diving to take a catch during the Third T20 match vs. India," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in their statement. Notably, MaduShanka had been brought in as Nuwan Thushara's replacement in the preceding T20I series against India.

The release confirmed Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as the two replacements. Also, Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan and Jeffrey Vandersay have been kept on standby in case there are further injuries.

Sri Lanka lost all three T20Is against India despite good starts from their batters. In the final T20I, they failed to chase 138 and eventually lost after scoring just two runs in the Super Over.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

Sri Lanka ODI squad vs India: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Akila Dananjaya, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

This series will test Sri Lanka's depth and resilience as they face India without two key pacers. The team will need to regroup quickly to compete effectively.