Maheesh Theekshana sent for injury rehab, to join World Cup squad later

Sri Lanka's World Cup squad which reached Guwahati today (Wednesday) is without its ace-spinner Maheesh Theekshana. 

“The 23-year-old right-arm off-spinner had not boarded the flight", a top Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed. 

"He did not attend the religious ceremony (conducted on Tuesday) either,” the source further added. 

"At present, his participation in the World Cup is not in doubt but now he has been sent to the rehabilitation centre at the High Performance Unit. His fitness is being monitored by physio Thihan Chandramohan,” the source said. 

The spinner had been ruled out of the final of the men's Asia Cup against India because of a hamstring injury he picked up during Sri Lanka's last-ball win against Pakistan. 

According to multiple sources, there was a difference of opinion between the physio and the radiologist. 

It was assumed to be a Grade 3 injury but it did not have a big tear, though the MRI scan was indicating it, according to the medical team. 

He is therefore included in the squad and likely to join the team during a later stage of the tournament.  

The 15-member team which reached Guwahati has Chamika Karunaratne as a travelling reserve.

(Bipin Dani)