Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a significant blow ahead of the ongoing IPL 2026 season as Sri Lankan spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a persistent hamstring injury.
LSG’s Director of Cricket Tom Moody confirmed the development during the franchise’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on April 9, stating, “We are sort of preparing for him not going to be available for us. So, we are in the process of finalising a replacement that will be announced in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Hasaranga sustained a serious left hamstring tear on February 8 during Sri Lanka’s opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He has not played competitive cricket for nearly two months, with reports suggesting he is still unable to bowl.
Adding to the injury woe, Hasaranga had not undergone the mandatory fitness assessments required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), a prerequisite for any player seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is essential for joining an overseas franchise.
LSG had bought Hasaranga for INR 2 crore during the last auction. The leg-spinner, who was expected to be a key part of their bowling attack, never made it to the squad. South Africa’s left-arm spinner George Linde, who is yet to feature in IPL, is reportedly being considered as Hasaranga’s likely replacement.
Despite the setback, LSG have shown resilience in the tournament. In their most recent fixture, the Super Giants edged past KKR by three wickets in a last-ball thriller at Eden Gardens, successfully chasing 182. Half-centuries from Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary anchored the chase.
LSG’s management appears confident in their squad depth as they gear up to finalise a replacement and push forward in the competition.
