SRH Pacer Eshan Malinga Ruled Out of T20 World Cup Due to Shoulder Injury

Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Eshan Malinga has been officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a shoulder injury. The injury occurred during Sri Lanka's recent T20I series against England, forcing the Sri Lankan management to name a replacement ahead of the global tournament.

Malinga's absence is a blow to Sri Lanka's pace resources, especially given the team's reliance on pace variation and death bowling options. While Sri Lanka boasts significant spin depth, Malinga was expected to be a key component of their fast-bowling attack.

Pramod Madushan has been named as the official replacement for Malinga. Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the tournament alongside India, will rely heavily on their spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, to maximize the advantage of playing on familiar, spin-friendly home conditions.