Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 have taken a major hit after promising leg-spinner Shashini Gimhani was ruled out due to a lower-back injury, forcing a late change in the squad just days before the global event.
The injury blow comes at a crucial time, as Sri Lanka look to fine-tune their combination ahead of the marquee tournament. Gimhani, who had started to establish herself in the international setup, has played seven T20 Internationals, claiming six wickets at an average of 21.16 while maintaining an economy rate of 7.05. Her ability to control the middle overs was expected to be a key asset for the team.
With her unfortunate exit, Sri Lanka have brought in right-arm seamer Chethana Vimukthi as a replacement.
Although Vimukthi is yet to make her T20I debut, she has already represented the national side in three One Day Internationals and is seen as a developing pace option for the future.
The squad will continue to be led by experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who will now need to adjust strategies following the sudden bowling change.
Updated Sri Lanka Squad:
Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi, and Chamari Athapaththu (c).
Sri Lanka will now shift focus to their warm-up matches against Pakistan on 6 June and the Netherlands on 9 June before opening their World Cup campaign against England on 12 June at Edgbaston.
Can Sri Lanka recover from this setback?
Fans will be watching closely: will the replacement strengthen the pace attack, or will the absence of a specialist spinner hurt Sri Lanka’s balance?
