Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been officially ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). On Friday evening, Lucknow Super Giants issued an official confirmation on Hasaranga.
On the franchise side, LSG Global Cricket Director Tom Moody confirmed that they are on the verge of announcing the Lankan spinner’s replacement for the IPL 2026 season.
LSG to announce Wanindu Hasaranga’s replacement soon
According to the latest update, LSG will be signing a replacement player for Wanindu Hasaranga in the next 24 to 48 hours. In IPL 2026, many teams including Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders faced a dilemma regarding Sri Lankan talent.
Due to the new orders of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, some of their star players are finding it very difficult to get the No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without NOC, Sri Lankan cricketers are not allowed to participate in the tournament.
Why has Wanindu Hasaranga been ruled out of IPL 2026?
The star spin bowling all-rounder was uncertain for the IPL 2026 campaign due to injury. According to reports, he has been ruled out of the season after suffering a serious left hamstring injury on February 8 during the T20 World Cup. Before the season, Super Giants acquired the spinner’s services for Rs 2 crore. Hasaranga was dropped from the league because he failed the fitness test.
Ahead of the Indian Premier League and the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made it mandatory for all its key players to have proven fitness levels. Wanindu Hasarnaga is one of the most talented cricketers in the country.
“We are preparing for him not being available to us. So, we are in the process of finalizing a replacement, which will be announced in the next 24-48 hours,” Tom Moody said while speaking to the broadcaster during Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
How could Wanindu Hesaranga’s absence affect LSG’s bowling department?
The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga can affect the bowling attack of the team to a great extent. Since the Lankan star can contribute with both his spin bowling and batting skills, he can provide balance to the team. Without the services of the spin bowling all-rounder, the team management will have to rely mostly on Indian talent for the time being.
At present, experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is the most experienced bowler of Lucknow Super Giants. As reported by Tom Mody, the franchise is now looking for replacement options, indicating uncertainty about his future involvement.
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