Sri Lanka Call Up Viyaskanth as Hasaranga Replacement

After 2 players leave Pakistan, Lanka summon Hasaranga's replacement

Sri Lanka Call Up Viyaskanth as Hasaranga Replacement for Crucial T20I Series

In a swift response to an unexpected setback, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as the official Hasaranga replacement for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan. The move comes after star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out due to injury, leaving a massive gap in the team’s spin department just weeks before a crucial tournament that serves as vital preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 .

Viyaskanth, a promising young leg-spinner himself, will join the national squad directly from Qatar, where he’s currently representing Sri Lanka’s Emerging Team at the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. His inclusion marks a significant opportunity for a rising talent to step onto the international stage at a pivotal moment.

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Hasaranga Injury Derails Sri Lanka’s Plans

Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t just a bowler — he’s Sri Lanka’s T20I linchpin. With over 100 wickets in the format at a stellar economy rate, his ability to contain runs and strike in the middle overs is irreplaceable. His absence creates a tactical vacuum that Sri Lanka must urgently fill .

While the exact nature and severity of his injury haven’t been fully disclosed, his withdrawal forced selectors to act fast. The tri-series in Pakistan, featuring New Zealand as the third team, is too important to risk with an unbalanced squad. That’s where Vijayakanth Viyaskanth enters the spotlight.

Who Is Vijayakanth Viyaskanth?

At just 21 years old, Viyaskanth has already turned heads in domestic and age-group cricket. A right-arm leg-spinner with a well-disguised googly and the confidence to flight the ball, he’s drawn comparisons to a young Hasaranga for his attacking mindset.

He recently played a key role for Sri Lanka in the 2023 U-19 World Cup and has been a consistent performer in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). His current stint at the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars in Qatar is another platform to prove his mettle against regional peers. Sri Lanka Cricket clearly sees him as the natural successor in the leg-spin department — and now, his time has come earlier than expected.

Why This Tri-Series Matters for Sri Lanka

The T20I tri-series in Pakistan is far more than just another bilateral contest. It’s part of Sri Lanka’s high-stakes preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will demand peak performance in subcontinental and overseas conditions alike.

Facing both Pakistan (at home) and New Zealand (a top-tier T20 side) offers invaluable experience:

  • Adapting to pitch conditions in Pakistan, known for pace and bounce.
  • Testing bench strength in high-pressure scenarios.
  • Building cohesion in a young squad under new leadership.

For a team rebuilding after a transitional phase, every match is a dress rehearsal for the global stage.

The Road to T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka’s last T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, failing to advance beyond the group stage. The board has since prioritized youth and depth — a strategy evident in Viyaskanth’s call-up.

The Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 prep strategy focuses on identifying versatile match-winners who can perform in crunch moments. With Hasaranga likely to return before the World Cup, Viyaskanth’s role now is to learn, contribute, and prove he can be a reliable backup or even a dual-spin option in the future.

Challenges and Opportunities for Viyaskanth

Walking into a senior squad as a direct substitute for a superstar is daunting. Viyaskanth will face immense pressure, especially in high-stakes games against power-hitting lineups like Pakistan and New Zealand.

Yet, the opportunity is golden:

  • A chance to train alongside veterans like Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka.
  • Exposure to international coaching and tactical planning.
  • Potential T20I debut in a competitive, high-visibility series.

If he can deliver even 70% of Hasaranga’s impact, he’ll have justified Sri Lanka’s faith in him.

How Sri Lanka Can Adapt Without Hasaranga

Losing their premier spinner means Sri Lanka must be tactically flexible. Coach Chris Silverwood may consider:

  • Promoting Maheesh Theekshana as the lead spinner, with Viyaskanth offering variety.
  • Using part-timers like Dunith Wellalage more aggressively.
  • Strengthening the pace attack to compensate — potentially giving more overs to Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera.

The key will be maintaining control during the powerplay and death overs—areas where Hasaranga’s clever variations were often decisive.

Conclusion: A New Star on the Horizon?

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth’s sudden promotion as the Hasaranga replacement is a high-risk, high-reward move for Sri Lanka. While Wanindu’s absence is a major blow, it opens the door for the next generation to step up. As the tri-series in Pakistan unfolds, all eyes will be on this young leg-spinner — not just to fill a gap, but to ignite a new era in Sri Lankan spin bowling.

For more on emerging talents in world cricket, see our [INTERNAL_LINK:rising-stars-t20-cricket]. Stay updated with official team announcements via the ICC website.

Sources

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