Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been dealt a severe blow: Wanindu Hasaranga, their dynamic all-rounder, will miss the entire season. Hasaranga, who has been sidelined due to a troublesome injury to his left heel, has been advised an extended period of rehabilitation.
Ashley de Silva, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO, confirmed the news with insights on the player’s condition, “He is not taking part in the IPL as he needs to do some rehabilitation after meeting the podiatrist,” de Silva conveyed to the Sunday Times Newspaper. The need for rehabilitation comes on the back of persistent swelling in Hasaranga’s heel—an ailment he has been managing through the use of pain injections.
The development is concerning given Hasaranga’s importance to both the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad and the Sri Lanka national team, for which he holds the captaincy in T20 cricket. De Silva expressed the cricketer’s determination to address his heel issue decisively in light of future commitments including the World Cup, emphasizing his commitment by saying, “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.”
Speculations around Hasaranga’s commitment to the IPL were previously quelled by his manager, especially given rumors concerning monetary incentives as a potential reason for a delayed start. In a conversation with Cricbuzz on March 29, the manager clarified, “He will join sooner than later. If money was a factor, we could have enrolled for an INR 2 crore base price. Besides, fewer games mean less money. He has to take care of his ankle. He is also the captain of the national team.” The assertion was an attempt to emphasize the Sri Lankan all-rounder’s prioritization of fitness and national duties over the lucrative opportunities an IPL season can offer.
The injury Hasaranga is dealing with is not menial by any measure; it has influenced a decision to travel to Dubai for expert medical advice. The nature of such an injury could require a thorough approach that includes specific treatment procedures, rehabilitation exercises, and a careful ramp-up back into competitive play—all of which are necessary to safeguard his long-term career and immediate contribution to the Sri Lanka national team.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will now need to reassess its strategy for the tournament, considering the all-rounder’s pivotal role. Known for his cunning wrist-spin and gritty batting performances, Hasaranga’s absence leaves a gaping void in both the bowling unit and the lower middle-order batting lineup. The team management might look toward their bench strength or potentially seek a replacement to fill in the shoes of the talented player. This development demands the squad’s adaptability and resilience if they are to navigate the season successfully.
Meanwhile, the IPL advisory on injuries and player availability remains strict, and Sunrisers Hyderabad will have to move swiftly in coordination with the IPL governing body for any roster changes. The IPL has often thrown curveballs at franchises with untimely injuries to key players, and the strength of a team’s roster depth and management acumen is typically tested under these circumstances.
Hasaranga’s withdrawal is a significant disadvantage for the Sunrisers in the buildup to the highly competitive cricketing extravaganza. However, the broader perspective highlights a conscientious player prioritizing his health and national duties. As the cricketer embarks on his journey toward recovery, fans and the franchise alike will be keeping a close eye on his rehabilitation, hoping for a swift and complete return to the sport. Meanwhile, the focus shifts to who will step into his role for the Sunrisers and how the team will tweak its strategies in light of this setback. More details on Hasaranga’s condition and recovery timeline are expected to follow as the situation develops.
