Ranjan in doubt for opener!

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Danushka Ranjan

With a couple of days to go for the start of the rugby action at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, the Sri Lankan camp are in trouble as playmaker Danushka Ranjan has been ruled out of the first day of play with a hamstring injury during training.

Figure 1Physio for the side Capt Tharaka seeing to Ranjan (R) during training. Photo by Sri Lanka Rugby

The Sri Lanka national sevens team left the island on the 21st of this month, giving them adequate time to get accustomed to the playing conditions. The injury to Ranjan occurred this morning during training but sources close to the team add that it is not too much of a concern.

Photo Album – Sri Lanka Sevens for Asian Games

“We know what Ranjan can deliver and we will not take risk using him in the first game with UAE, he is recovering fast; if possible we will play him for the South Korea depends on his situation” added Rohan Chinthaka, the team manager for the side.

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The Kandy Sports Club speedster has been the team’s live-wire and was exceptional at the concluded Commonwealth Games as well. Sri Lanka will start their campaign on the 30th against UAE and will then later play South Korea which in a must win game for the Tuskers if they intend to top the group.

Skipper Muthuthanthri is confident that the team will cope with the challenge with youngster Buddhima Piyarathane set to fill the void in the starting lineup.

“We can’t give all the burden to one man, not playing him is of course a big loss but we are confident as a team. We will all pray for him (Ranjan). Having said that we hope he will be fit for the South Korea game or at least for day two.”

Sri Lanka will play Afghanistan on the second day(31st) and later the tournament will progress to the quarterfinal stage towards the latter part of the day.