IPL 2026: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out as LSG face major injury setback; team to name replacement soon

Lucknow Super Giants have suffered a major setback in their ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign after star Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the season due to injury, with the franchise expected to announce a replacement soon, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The update came from LSG director of cricket Tom Moody during the franchise’s away fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Moody indicated that the team is already working on finalising a replacement and expects an announcement shortly.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Ayush Badoni joins elite list featuring KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran; becomes 3rd player with 1000 runs for LSG


According to the report, South Africa left-arm spinner George Linde, who is yet to make his IPL debut, is likely to replace Hasaranga in the squad.

"We are preparing for the fact that he isn't going to be able to join us," Moody said during LSG's game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata on Thursday, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We are looking at replacements that should be announced in 24-48 hours."

Hasaranga has been sidelined since February after suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Reports also suggested that the all-rounder had not undergone mandatory fitness assessments under Sri Lanka Cricket’s supervision, a requirement for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL.

Also Read: Rashid was right on the money from very first ball: Piyush Chawla after GT's close IPL win

The franchise had acquired Hasaranga for Rs 2 crore in the previous auction, but his participation was ruled out before the season began due to the injury setback. He previously represented Rajasthan Royals and also played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru between 2021 and 2023.