During a training session in Pune, Sri Lanka’s in-form fast bowler Kumara sustained an injury to his left thigh. This unfortunate incident occurred just before Sri Lanka’s crucial match against Afghanistan at the MCA International Stadium on Monday. Dushmantha Chameera, another fast bowler, has been called up to replace Kumara in the squad.
Chameera’s Inclusion in the Squad
The Event Technical Committee approved Chameera’s inclusion on Sunday. The seasoned right-arm bowler, with over 100 caps for his country, could potentially fill Kumara’s shoes in the crucial match against Afghanistan.
Impact of Kumara’s Absence
Despite Chameera’s extensive experience, Kumara’s absence will be a significant blow to Sri Lanka. Kumara played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s unexpected victory over England in Bengaluru last Thursday. He claimed the crucial wickets of England’s captain Jos Buttler, and all-rounders Ben Stokes and Liam Livingstone. In the tournament so far, Kumara has taken five wickets in four matches.
Squad Changes for Sri Lanka
With Chameera’s inclusion, Sri Lanka has made a total of three changes to their 15-player squad since the tournament’s commencement. Earlier, Chamika Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews were added to the squad following injuries to captain Dasun Shanaka (quad) and Matheesha Pathirana (shoulder).
Current World Cup Standings
Currently, Sri Lanka has two victories from five matches in the World Cup and is in fifth place in the standings. They have four group matches left to play.
Sri Lanka’s Updated Squad
The revised Sri Lankan squad includes: Kusal Mendis (c), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Angelo Mathews, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha, and Chamika Karunaratne.