SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be without ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the duration of the IPL season, according to official reports. The spin-bowling all-rounder was meant to join the SRH camp after the first few matches, but the exacerbation of his left-heel ailment has forced him to skip the competition.
According to the Sunday Times (Sri Lanka), Hasaranga will fly to Dubai to see a podiatrist for specialist assistance on how to manage his troublesome heel. The operation was recommended by SLC’s (Sri Lanka Cricket) physiotherapy department.
“He is not taking part in the IPL as he needs to do some rehabilitation after meeting the podiatrist,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva was quoted as saying.
“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.”
The news that Hasaranga will miss the competition comes as SRH prepares to face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (March 31). While SRH has started the tournament well, winning and losing one each, his departure will be regretted because the squad had a stronger balance with him on board.
Hasaranga was purchased by the 2016 winners at last year’s auction for Rs 1.5 crore after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) released him.
The all-rounder was recently seen in action during the ODI series against Bangladesh and has been called up for the ongoing Test series as well. However, he is serving a two-Test ban after being found guilty of violating the ICC Code of Conduct.
The all-rounder’s demerit points totaled eight in a 24-month span following a Level 2 offence for which he earned a 50% fine and three demerit points.