IND vs SL: Wanindu Hasaranga to miss T20I series
In-form Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and will miss the three-match T20I series versus India, starting tomorrow. Notably, Hasaranga had initially tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Sri Lanka's third T20I against Australia. He missed the remaining games. Sri Lanka recently lost the five-match T20I series by a 1-4 margin. Here's more.
Why does this story matter?
This is a major blow for the Lankans ahead of the T20I series. Hasaranga will be aiming to make it for the Test series. He is a champion T20I specialist, having amassed 57 wickets at 13.75. SL will miss the services of a player who could have been a match-winner. The positive thing is Hasaranga is showing no symptoms.
Hasaranga has returned a positive test
"Wanindu Hasaranga, who was in isolation after contracting COVID-19, has once again, returned a positive result when a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) was conducted on the player yesterday (February 22). A PCR test too confirmed the result," SLC said in an official statement.
Surya, Deepak to miss T20I series against SL
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will not feature in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. According to a report in Cricbuzz, Suryakumar has picked a hand injury. He is the second player to get ruled out of Sri Lanka T20Is. Earlier, Deepak Chahar was ruled out of Lucknow and Dharamsala T20I games due to a hamstring injury he picked against West Indies.
Hasaranga to remain in isolation
"He was first found to be positive during a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on February 15, 2022. The player was transferred to Melbourne from Canberra and will remain in isolation until he returns a negative PCR Test Report," the statement added.
India vs Sri Lanka schedule
The T20I tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Lucknow on February 24. The remaining two contests are scheduled to take place in Dharamshala on February 26 and 27 respectively. The T20I series will be followed by a two-match Test series. The first Test will kick on March 4 in Mohali while the second game will begin on March 12.
