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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been dealt a significant blow in their quest for glory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with the unfortunate news of Wanindu Hasaranga being ruled out of the tournament due to an injury to his left heel. Hasaranga, who was secured by SRH for his base price of INR 1.5 crore at the mini-auction, will play no further part in the competition.
Rollercoaster journey
The journey leading to Hasaranga’s withdrawal from the IPL has been tumultuous. Initially expected to miss the start of the IPL due to his commitment to Test cricket, Hasaranga’s availability took a turn after he was required to serve a ban during the Test series against Bangladesh. This ban stemmed from his criticism of match officials earlier in the year during his stint as the white-ball captain.
Despite being sidelined from national duty, Hasaranga was conspicuously absent from SRH’s lineup in the initial matches of the IPL season.
Prioritizing recovery and preparation
The saga surrounding Hasaranga’s IPL participation has now concluded with the player opting to skip the tournament entirely. Instead, he will focus on his recovery and preparation for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Hasaranga conveyed his decision to SRH management, citing the need for rehabilitation after consulting with a podiatrist due to swelling in his heel. Playing through the injury with injections was no longer deemed viable, prompting his withdrawal from the IPL.
“He is not taking part in the IPL as he needs to do some rehabilitation after meeting the podiatrist. There’s a swelling in the heel and he has been playing with injections. So he has decided to get this issue sorted out before the World Cup and informed us of his decision to skip the IPL this year,” said Sri Lanka CEO Ashley de Silva as quoted by The Sunday Times.
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Impact on SRH and T20 World Cup
Hasaranga’s absence from the SRH lineup is undoubtedly a significant setback for the team. His spin bowling prowess and all-round abilities were anticipated to play a crucial role in SRH’s campaign. However, the franchise now faces the challenge of filling the void left by the Sri Lankan star.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will closely monitor Hasaranga’s recovery as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. His fitness and form will be crucial for the team’s chances of success in the global tournament.
