Lucknow Super Giants Face Setback as Wanindu Hasaranga Exits IPL 2026
Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of IPL 2026
The Lucknow Super Giants have suffered a significant blow with the announcement that star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka will not participate in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The franchise is expected to reveal a replacement shortly, as reported by a sports news outlet.
Tom Moody, the director of cricket for LSG, confirmed this news during the team's away match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday. He mentioned that a replacement would be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Sources indicate that South African spinner George Linde, who has yet to make an appearance in the lucrative league, is the frontrunner to take Hasaranga's place. 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 the urgency of finding a suitable replacement.
Injury Details and IPL Background of Hasaranga
Hasaranga has been sidelined since February due to a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka's first match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. Reports suggest that he did not complete the required fitness tests mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL participation. LSG acquired Hasaranga for INR 2 crore in the last auction, 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.
Thrilling Victory for LSG Against KKR
In the match itself, the Lucknow Super Giants triumphed over the Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets in a nail-biting finish at Eden Gardens, 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.
Record Partnership Highlights LSG's Chase
CricViz reported that the unbeaten 54-run partnership between Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan set a record for the highest stand for the 8th wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase. Mukul was instrumental, scoring 52 of those runs, while Avesh contributed with a single run off three balls.
Earlier in the match, KKR had set a target of 181 runs, bolstered by Ajinkya Rahane's 41 runs, Angkrish Raghuvanshi's 45 runs, and a late surge from Rovman Powell and Cameron Green. Despite some tight bowling from KKR, LSG maintained their composure to secure a thrilling win.