T20 World Cup 2026: Hasaranga’s absence a big loss, says Chameera

Describing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence as a “big loss”, Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera on Wednesday called on the entire bowling unit to share the responsibility and fill the void left by the premier spinner.

Sri Lanka’s spin spearhead Hasaranga was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained during its campaign opener against Ireland.

“Yes, not having Wanindu is a big loss for the team. Because we all know his talent. I think the entire bowling unit gets the responsibility. So, I think we all have a big responsibility to fill that gap,” Chameera said ahead of its clash against Oman.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha has been named as Hasaranga’s replacement.

“I think when we consider Dushan Hemantha, he was with us in the team during the recent past. He has also played in the Zimbabwe tournament. So, when compared to Wanindu, I think he has a different way of bowling. He can do batting as well, so he can play as an all-rounder.

“…as it’s being played in Sri Lanka, and previously, he has played in Sri Lanka as well. So, I think, we can get what we want for the team from him.”

The 2014 champion failed to hit a single boundary between the seventh and 15th overs after Ireland introduced spin in their previous match, and Chameera said that was an area Sri Lanka needed to improve.

“When looking at batting, I think we played well during the PowerPlay. I think after the PowerPlay, we had a setback, because the Keththarama (boundary) line was a little far, around 80 metres. So, I think we had less chance to go beyond boundaries,” said the 34-year-old.

“I think we could have got runs in ones or twos when playing in the mid-levels. And we also played well during the last three overs. I think Kamindu Mendis played well, and that’s because we could reach a score above 160.

“I should mention that Kusal Mendis was a little unwell before the last match. So, he played until the end of the PowerPlay. So, I think that was also a reason for missing on the runs as ones and twos. Because he was a little unwell during that match.”

Published on Feb 11, 2026