Asia Cup 2023: Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of India vs Sri Lanka final due to hamstring tear

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Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 final due to a hamstring injury which he incurred while fielding in the match against Pakistan on Thursday.

The 23-year-old has been replaced by top order batsman Sahan Arachchige. Theekshana played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's journey to the final. He picked eight wickets at an average of 29.12.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in its statement said that a scan confirmed muscle injury to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer, adding that he will head to the High Performance Center to commence rehabilitation work.

"Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals. A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury. Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors have brought in Sahan Arachchige into the squad in place of Theekshana. Theekshana will return to the High Performance Center to commence rehabilitation work," the statement from SL read.

Maheesh Theekshana will be there for World Cup 2023: Dasun Shanaka

However, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has expressed confidence that the star spinner for the team's World Cup 2023 campaign in India.

“He won’t be able to take part in this game since he got a Grade 3 injury, but he will be there for the World Cup,” Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka told reporters on the eve of the title clash in Colombo. Sri Lanka are scheduled to play their first match against South Africa on October 7.

Theekshana is also Sri Lanka’s highest ODI wicket-taker in 2023 with 31 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.45.