Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury scare has left Sri Lanka facing a major setback midway through the T20 World Cup 2026, with the star leg-spinner likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Sri Lanka, widely tipped as dark horses while co-hosting the event alongside India, has leaned heavily on their formidable bowling attack. That unit, however, now risks losing its biggest match-winner after Hasaranga aggravated a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s only group-stage game so far, against Ireland.

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Despite the discomfort, Hasaranga delivered an impressive spell of 3/25 in Colombo. He broke the back of Ireland’s chase by dismissing a well-set Mark Adair (34), followed by key wickets of Harry Tector (40), the visitors’ top scorer, and Curtis Campher. However, the leg-spinner was visibly struggling mid-spell and was seen stretching his hamstring, raising immediate concerns.

Reports suggest the injury could rule him out for the rest of the tournament, a devastating blow for the Lankan Lions, given Hasaranga’s status as their premier all-round match-winner.

The setback is particularly worrying considering Hasaranga’s injury history. Since 2023, he has undergone two major surgeries related to severe hamstring tears. A Grade 3 muscle injury during the 2023 Lanka Premier League forced him to miss both the ODI World Cup and the Asia Cup that year. More recently, he underwent a minor surgical procedure in late January 2026 after seeking specialist treatment in Singapore for a recurring hamstring issue.

Compounding his troubles, Hasaranga also battled chronic heel pain in his left foot through much of early 2024, making his latest setback another cruel twist in an injury-plagued phase of his career.

With Hasaranga’s availability in serious doubt, Sri Lanka are expected to bring in all-rounder Dushan Hemantha as a replacement. As per ICC regulations, teams are permitted to replace players who are ruled out of the tournament due to injury, a provision Sri Lanka now appear set to invoke for their biggest trump card.