A major injury scare has emerged in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp, days before the start of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise may lose one of its key players, as Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is now nursing a serious injury that could rule him out of the tournament.
Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was their leading overseas spin-bowling all-rounder for the following season.
Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful for IPL 2026 auction
With IPL 2026 starting on March 28, discussions about possible replacements have already started. Multiple reports and online chatter suggest that West Indies spinner Gudakesh Moti could join the LSG squad if Wanindu Hasaranga fails to recover in time.
Wanindu Hasaranga recently suffered an injury during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. During Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo, the all-rounder suffered a serious injury to his left hamstring while fielding. The injury was so serious that he had to miss the rest of the tournament.
Since then, there has been uncertainty regarding his recovery. Hamstring injuries usually take time to heal and this has raised doubts over whether Hasaranga will be fit for IPL 2026.
Gudakesh Moti is likely to replace Wanindu Hasaranga in the LSG team
Due to this situation, Lucknow Supergiants have kept their options open. Gudakesh Moti’s name has emerged as a strong possibility to replace Wanindu Hasaranga. The left-arm spinner has impressed many with his calm bowling and ability to control the game in the middle overs.
Interestingly, Moti was already signed to play for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026). However, reports suggest that the West Indies youngster may opt out of the upcoming PSL 2026 if he gets an IPL offer from LSG.
Big blow for LSG star player? #LucknowSupergiants #वानिंदुहासरंगा #sanjeevgoenka #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/8JOF74BK33
– Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) 16 March 2026
This kind of situation is not unusual in franchise cricket. Many international players love the IPL as it is the biggest T20 league in the world and it also offers much more attractive deals than in Pakistan.
Recently, Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani had pulled out of the PSL at the last minute to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the PCB had already decided to take action against him.
Lucknow Super Giants eye strong start after 2025 disaster
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
The slow track in Lucknow is expected to help their spinners and the team will be keen to score early points after their poor performance in the 2025 season.
After this match, LSG will go to high scoring venues in Hyderabad and Kolkata. These matches will test their power hitters and new pace attack in the death overs. Notably, BCCI announced the schedule only for Phase 1 (March 28 – April 12).
| date | opponent team | venue | Time (IST) |
| 1 April | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow | 7:30 pm |
| 5th April | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 3:30 pm |
| 9 April | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | 7:30 pm |
| 12 April | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow | 3:30 pm |
Also read: No Hardik Pandya! Ex-KKR star picks Shane Watson as best T20 all-rounder of all time
