Kusal Perera doubtful for T20 World Cup 2021 after hamstring injury

Sri Lanka batter Kusal Perera has become doubtful for the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup after sustaining a hamstring injury. The southpaw picked up the strain during Sri Lanka’s third T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, September 14. Perera was seen struggling to run between the wickets, although he scored 39 runs off 33 balls with the help of three fours.

The nature of his hamstring injury is such that Perera won’t be able to undergo a swift rehabilitation. With a month left for the tournament it remains to be seen if he can gain the desired fitness levels. On Sunday, September 12, Sri Lanka cricket named the squad for the mega event, scheduled to get underway on Sunday, October 17.

Sri Lanka team physician shares an update on Kusal Perera

“The injury is a sprinter’s injury, which can be picked up while running between the wickets. Because of the nature of the injury, we can’t do a fast rehabilitation,” Sri Lanka team physician Dr. Daminda Attanayake was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.

Perera has been a key member of the Lankan team in the shorter formats. In 52 T20Is, he has scored 1416 runs at an average of 27.76 with 12 half-centuries to show for his efforts.

The Lankans are set to play their first game against Namibia on Monday, October 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka form a part of Group A, comprising Namibia, Netherlands, and Ireland. If they qualify for the next round, they would be a part of the Super 12.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana.Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga.

Prior to the World Cup, Sri Lanka will also play two ODIs against Oman on Thursday, October 7 and Saturday, October 9 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. The series will be a part of their preparation ahead of the event in Oman and UAE.

On October 12 and 14, Sri Lanka will also play two warm-up matches before heading for the World Cup.