Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana will be absent from the Asia Cup final against India due to a hamstring injury he suffered during their victory over Pakistan, as confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Saturday.
Theekshana, a 23-year-old talented spinner, strained his right hamstring while making a sliding effort near the boundary. The team’s physiotherapist provided initial treatment, and he courageously bowled three more overs before eventually needing assistance to leave the field during Sri Lanka’s thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan on Thursday.
In light of Theekshana’s injury, Sahan Arachchige has been summoned to take his place in the team for the final, scheduled to take place in Colombo on Sunday. The Sri Lankan team will be striving to defend their Asia Cup title in this crucial match.
While Theekshana will miss the Asia Cup final, Professor Arjuna de Silva, the chair of SLC’s medical committee, has expressed optimism about his participation in the upcoming 50-overs World Cup in India, which commences on October 5th. Professor de Silva clarified that Theekshana’s MRI scan showed a minor tear, and while he is not entirely free of discomfort, he is still mobile and not in significant pain. Professor de Silva emphasized that they don’t want to jeopardize his participation in the World Cup, and therefore, they decided not to take any risks by rushing his recovery for the Asia Cup final.
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In related news, it is reported that Washington Sundar may join the Indian squad as a replacement for Axar Patel, who sustained an injury during India’s recent six-run loss to Bangladesh. Sundar, aged 23, was originally named in a secondary India squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where the men’s cricket competition begins on September 27th.
However, it is anticipated that Sundar will temporarily rejoin the Indian cricket squad for the Asia Cup final and then return to the Asian Games camp, as reported by Cricbuzz. This move underscores the adaptability and versatility of cricket squads, as they must navigate injuries and player availability during important tournaments.
In conclusion, Maheesh Theekshana’s absence due to a hamstring injury is a setback for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. Still, they remain hopeful for his participation in the upcoming World Cup. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar’s potential inclusion in the Indian squad showcases the dynamic nature of cricket squads as they manage player injuries and commitments across multiple tournaments.
