The host team suffered a big blow amid the T20 World Cup 2026, star player out of the tournament due to injury.

T20 World Cup, Injury setback for host nation: T20 World Cup 2026 has started with a bang and the spectators are continuously getting to see exciting matches. This big tournament, being hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has gained momentum in the initial days, but in the meantime, a big and worrying news has come out for the host team.

In fact, Sri Lanka has suffered such a setback in the initial stages of the tournament itself, which may make its path forward difficult. An important star player of the team is out of the entire tournament due to injury. This injury had occurred in the very first match, however, despite this the player had played an important role in winning that match.

T20 World Cup: This key player is out of the tournament

Wanindu Hasaranga has become the biggest cause of concern for the Sri Lankan cricket team. Hasaranga has suffered a serious hamstring injury, due to which he has been ruled out of the entire T20 World Cup 2026. An MRI examination conducted on Tuesday confirmed a severe hamstring strain, following which the medical team has advised him rest and rehabilitation.

T20 World Cup: Got injured in the match against Ireland

Hasaranga suffered this injury in the first match of the tournament (T20 World Cup 2026) against Ireland. In that match, he felt uncomfortable while bowling, but despite this he performed brilliantly and took three wickets. On the strength of his lethal bowling, Sri Lanka started the tournament with a win by defeating Ireland by 20 runs. However, after the match his injury became serious and now he will not be able to play further.

T20 World Cup: Why a big loss for Sri Lanka

Hasaranga’s exclusion is a big blow for Sri Lanka because he is the most reliable spin all-rounder of the team. The team had high expectations from him in home conditions, especially on spin-friendly pitches. Hasaranga is also the highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in the history of T20 World Cup, so his experience and all-round contribution may hurt the team.

T20 World Cup: This player got a chance in place of Hasranga

In place of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has decided to include leg spin all-rounder Dushan Hemantha in the team. Hemantha can also bowl leg spin as well as bat usefully in the lower order. As per International Cricket Council rules, a replacement player due to injury will be given official clearance and once this replacement is made the ruled out player cannot return to the tournament.