Asia Cup 2023: Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of IND vs SL final - Reports

Maheesh Theekshana suffered hamstring injury in Sri Lanka's last Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka have suffered a massive setback ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final against India on Sunday. Off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo due to a hamstring injury. Theekshana had undergone scans on Friday to decide on his fate for the Asia Cup final. The Sri Lankan medical team assessed the situation and Maheesh Theekshana was ruled out of the big clash. Sahan Arachchige has been named in the squad for the final as Theekshana’s replacement. 

Theekshana ruled out summit clash

27-year-old Sahan Arachchige will be joining the Sri Lankan camp on Saturday and will take part in the practice session as well. Batting all-rounder Sahan Arachchige has played only two ODI games so far in his career, scoring 57 runs and picking up a wicket. Arachchige was part of the Sri Lankan camp in the ICC World Cup Qualifier played in Zimbabwe three months back. Sahan Arachchige is known for his all-round ability as he provides a decent top-order batting option as well as a decent off-spin bowling option.

Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana sustained a hamstring injury against Pakistan in the Super 4 game. Theekshana bowled a complete 9 overs spell as the game was curtailed to 42 overs per side due to rain. Theekshana picked up a wicket in the game. Theekshana complained of injury and was seen getting treatment on the sidelines. A video also went viral when he reacted aggressively after captain Dasun Shanaka’s wicket in the Sri Lankan chase. Theekshana picked up 8 wickets in 5 Asia Cup 2023 games. 

Indian camp also suffered a setback as they have called in Washington Sundar as cover for Axar Patel. Axar Patel suffered multiple injuries while batting against Bangladesh. Washington Sundar will be joining the Indian camp on Saturday. Axar Patel still remains doubtful for the Asia Cup 2023 final as the official update is yet to come about his injury concern. Team India suffered a 6 run defeat against Bangladesh in their last Super 4 game, while Sri Lanka won a thrilling chase against Pakistan on Thursday.