A blow for Mumbai Indians (MI) as their star Sri Lankan pacer, Dilshan Madushanka, has been ruled out of the initial IPL 2024 matches due to a hamstring injury. Madushanka, who impressed everyone with his bowling performance in the recent World Cup, was a key acquisition for MI at the auction, fetching a hefty ₹4.6 crore bid.

Dilshan Madushanka suffers a left hamstring injury

The injury occurred during the second ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Madushanka was forced to leave the field while bowling and later underwent an MRI scan that confirmed a left hamstring strain.

This development comes as a significant setback for MI, who were counting on Madushanka’s pace and wicket-taking abilities to bolster their bowling attack. The Sri Lankan pacer was the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, claiming a total of 21 wickets in nine matches. He also picked up a fifer against India at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. 

According to an official statement by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Madushanka will miss the remaining ODI against Bangladesh and will return home to begin his rehabilitation program.

 “Madushanka, who left the field during the second ODI while bowling, has suffered a left hamstring injury, as confirmed by an MRI scan performed on the player,” stated SLC.

MI will begin their IPL 2024 campaign on March 23

Madushanka’s injury throws a wrench into MI’s plans, especially considering their opening match against Gujarat Titans (GT) scheduled for March 23 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

MI will now have to find a suitable replacement for Madushanka as they gear up for their IPL campaign. Fans will be watching closely to see who steps up to fill the void left by the injured pacer.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.