Sri Lanka’s ODI captain Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the ongoing World Cup in India due to a thigh injury. Chamika Karunaratne, who was on the standby list, has been added to the squad as well. However, the injury comes as a blow for Sri Lanka who are one of the four strong teams to have not won a game yet in the World Cup as well.

“Karunaratne, who has played 23 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s match against Pakistan on 10th October. The injury needs three weeks to recover,” said the ICC in a statement while the Technical Committee approved the change.

READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet

Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis, who has been leading from the front with the bat for Sri Lanka, and is the designated vice-captain, is set to lead the team in the prestigious tournament. And, Shanaka’s absence provides the opportunity for Karunaratne, who hasn’t featured in an ODI for Sri Lanka since March this year as well.