Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s captain, has been ruled out of the 2023 World Cup through injury, with Chamika Karunaratne called up in his place.

Shanaka sustained a right thigh injury during Sri Lanka’s loss against Pakistan, with a time frame of three weeks set on the blow. Sri Lanka have opted not to keep him in the squad to allow him to recuperate, instead calling up Karunaratne, another seam-bowling all-rounder.

The 27-year-old has played 23 ODIs for Sri Lanka, as well as 42 T20Is and one Test. He has hit one ODI fifty and taken 24 wickets.

Shanaka’s departure comes as a significant blow. He has captained Sri Lanka since late 2021, and though his record looks modest, with a batting average of 20 and a bowling average of 50 as skipper, his big hitting sets him apart as a player to be feared.

Sri Lanka have had several injuries hamper their campaign, with star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and pacer Dushmantha Chameera ruled out before the tournament, and Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of their first game, in which they conceded a record total against South Africa.

Sri Lanka have lost their first two games, with their third match coming against Australia on Monday, October 16.

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