Lucknow Super Giants Face Setback as Wanindu Hasaranga is Ruled Out of IPL 2026
Wanindu Hasaranga's Injury Forces LSG to Seek Replacement
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] - April 10: The Lucknow Super Giants have encountered a significant challenge as their prominent all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka, has been declared unavailable for the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The franchise is expected to announce a replacement shortly, as reported by a leading sports news outlet.
This announcement was made by Tom Moody, the director of cricket for LSG, during their away match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Moody indicated that a replacement would be revealed within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Reports suggest that South African spinner George Linde, who has yet to participate in this lucrative league, is a strong candidate to step in for the injured Hasaranga.
Moody stated, “We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us,” during the match against KKR, emphasizing that they are actively looking for replacements to be announced soon.
Hasaranga has been sidelined since February due to a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka's opening match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. It was previously reported that he had not completed the required fitness tests mandated by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, which are necessary for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL.
During the last auction, LSG acquired Hasaranga for INR 2 crore, but he has been unable to join the team due to his injury. Previously, he played for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2021 to 2023.
In the match itself, the Lucknow Super Giants triumphed over the Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets in a thrilling finish, successfully chasing down a target of 182 runs. Key contributions came from Ayush Badoni, who scored 54 runs, and Mukul Choudhary, who also made 54 not out, with Choudhary's explosive performance sealing the victory in the final over.
According to CricViz, the unbeaten partnership of 54 runs between Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan is the highest for the 8th wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase.
In a remarkable display, Mukul scored 52 of those runs, while Avesh contributed with a single run off three balls. Earlier, KKR had set a target of 181/4, thanks to solid performances from Ajinkya Rahane (41), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45), and a late surge from Rovman Powell and Cameron Green. Despite some tight bowling from KKR, LSG managed to maintain their composure and secure a dramatic win.