ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of Match 4, SA vs SL

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana got injured during Asia Cup 2023 tournament.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 action will shift to north of India. Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in Dharamshala as a morning game, and then South Africa will take on Sri Lanka at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. Sri Lanka have won the World Cup only once in their history which was in 1996, and are looking for their second glory in the mega event. Sri Lanka suffered a major setback just before the start of their opening game in Delhi.

Sri Lanka’s key off-spinner, Maheesh Theekshana, is ruled out of the opening encounter against South Africa due to a hamstring injury. Theekshana sustained a hamstring injury while playing in Asia Cup super 4 round game against Pakistan in Colombo. Theekshana has not recovered yet from his injury and will need some more time before he fully recovers and makes his comeback. Sri Lankan coach Chris Silverwood updated about Theekshana’s injury.

Silverwood provides update on Theekshana

While answering a question on Theekshana’s presence, Sri Lanka’s head coach, Chris Silverwood, said, “Not at this moment, Theekshana is still recovering from a hamstring injury, so he won’t be available for this game. But we expect him to be available very soon. The rest of them are fine.” Maheesh Theekshana also missed out on Asia Cup 2023 final against India due to this injury. This will play a massive role for Sri Lanka, as Delhi favors spinners.

Chris Silverwood also expressed that Sri Lankan team are fully ready to take on South Africa to the best of its ability. Silverwood added, “Well, I mean, first and foremost, we are prepared to the best of our abilities. We have been treated very well since we have been here at some great facilities. From a team’s point of view, we know on our day we can go toe-to-toe with anybody.”

Wanindu Hasaranga was already ruled out of the entire tournament and was not picked for the mega event. Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup sensation Dunith Wellalage will be taking up the responsibility in the spin bowling department for Sri Lanka, along with a few part-timers set to be used during the game. Maheesh Theekshana has played 27 ODI games for Sri Lanka and picked up 44 wickets in his career. Chris Silverwood is hopeful about the team's win against South Africa.