Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan leg-spinning all-rounder, was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for his base price of ₹2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
Expected to bolster their spin attack and provide lower-order batting depth alongside players like Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, his participation is curtailed for this season.
Hasaranga suffered a serious tear in his left hamstring during Sri Lanka's opening T20 World Cup 2026 match against Ireland on February 8. He took 3/25 in that game before the injury sidelined him for the rest of the tournament. He has been out of competitive action for nearly two months. Recent reports indicate he had a batting session at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium but did not bowl, raising doubts about his bowling fitness.
Current Status with LSGHasaranga has not reported to the LSG squad, provided no clarity on his arrival timeline, and is yet to undergo the mandatory fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
LSG director confirms NO Hasaranga in IPL 2026
Amid the speculations, LSG director of cricket Tom Moody recently confirmed that Hasaranga will not be part of the team for IPL 2026, with a replacement to be announced within 24-48 hours.
"Wanindu won't be a part of our squad this season. We are looking for replcaments and it will be announced in 24-48 hours," he said on air during the KKR vs LSG clash.
Who can LSG buy to replace Hasaranga?
The franchise has reportedly already shortlisted four potential replacements: spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, and all-rounders Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed.
