Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana will not be able to play in the Asia Cup final against India due to a hamstring injury he sustained during their victory over Pakistan, according to the country’s cricket board (SLC). Theekshana, 23, injured his right hamstring while sliding near the boundary and received treatment from the team physiotherapist. Despite the injury, he continued to bowl for three more overs before being assisted off the field during Sri Lanka’s thrilling two-wicket win on Thursday.
To replace Theekshana in the final, Sahan Arachchige has been called up. Sri Lanka will be aiming to defend their title in the final, which will take place in Colombo on Sunday.
Although Theekshana will miss the Asia Cup final, Professor Arjuna de Silva, chair of SLC’s medical committee, assures that he will be fully recovered and ready to participate in the 50-overs World Cup in India next month. The MRI scan revealed a tear, but it is not a significant tear. Theekshana is clinically stable, able to move around, and experiencing minimal pain. However, the medical team does not want to take any risks with his recovery, especially with the World Cup approaching.
In other news, Washington Sundar is expected to join the Indian squad as a replacement for Axar Patel, who suffered an injury during Friday’s six-run loss to Bangladesh. Sundar, 23, was initially selected for the second-string India squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where the men’s competition begins on September 27. After the Asia Cup final, Sundar is expected to re-join the Asian Games camp, as reported by cricket website Cricbuzz.
This article was reported by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad and edited by Kim Coghill. The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles apply to our reporting.
