Sri Lanka vs India: Kusal Perera doubtful after sustaining a shoulder injury

Sri Lanka received a major jolt ahead of their limited-overs series against India as news has come in that their wicketkeeper and batting mainstay Kusal Perera might be a doubtful starter for the limited-overs series against India. Perera had reportedly sustained a shoulder injury during Sri Lanka’s limited-overs series against England.

It has also been reported that the left-handed batsman has not taken part in any of the practice sessions ahead of the series against India as well. Reports have also stated that Perera will be monitored by the Sri Lankan medical team, and an official announcement on the matter will be made.

Perera played all the 6 limited-overs matches against the England side. And surely, if Perera is not available, it will come as a massive blow for the already struggling Sri Lankan side.

Kusal Perera is a key member of the Sri Lankan cricket team

Kusal Perera has emerged as one of the vital members of the Sri Lankan limited-overs setup. He is the 4th highest run-scorer for the Sri Lankan side in T20Is and has amassed 1347 runs in 50 matches at an average of 27.48. Even in the ODI format of the game, Perera has scored over 3000 runs at a decent average of 31.65.

Perera has been in decent form in ODI cricket in the recent past. In his last 5 ODI innings, he has plundered a century and a fifty. Even in T20I cricket, he has scored 30 or more runs in 3 out of his last 7 T20I innings.

The problems do not end here for Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan side is already missing three of its first-choice players, as the likes of Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella, and Kusal Mendis had breached the bio bubble protocols in England and were suspended for their indiscipline.

Sri Lanka’s limited-overs series against India will kick off with the first ODI that will be played on 18th July 2021. Sri Lanka will play three ODI matches, and this will be followed by a three-match T20I series that will commence on 25th July 2021.

India’s regular skipper Virat Kohli will not be available for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, and senior batsman Shikhar Dhawan will don the skipper’s hat for the series.