Lucknow Super Giants have confirmed that Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will miss IPL 2026 due to injury. Director of cricket Tom Moody shared the update during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, adding that the team is in the process of identifying a replacement, with an announcement expected shortly.
Bought for INR 2 crore at the mini auction, Hasaranga was unable to link up with the squad due to injury. He featured for the Rajasthan Royals in the previous season and was a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2021 to 2023.
“From our side, we are working on the assumption that he won’t be available to join the squad,” Moody said during LSG’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata.
“We are considering replacement options, and an announcement is likely to be made in the next 24 to 48 hours,” he added.
The leg-spinner has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring issue during Sri Lanka’s opening game of the T20 World Cup 2026 in February. It has also emerged that he did not undergo the mandatory fitness assessment conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket earlier this week. As per regulations, centrally contracted players must clear the test to obtain a no-objection certificate for IPL participation.
In terms of results, LSG currently occupy the fifth spot in the standings after a narrow three-wicket win over KKR. Mukul Choudhary played a crucial role in the chase, producing a quickfire 54 off 27 balls to guide the team home from a difficult situation against Ajinkya Rahane’s side.
Rishabh Pant’s team have won two of their first three games this season, responding strongly after a loss to Delhi Capitals with back-to-back wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite Hasaranga’s absence, the bowling unit appears well-equipped. The spin options include Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, and Shahbaz Ahmed, while Mohammed Shami has led the pace attack effectively. Prince Yadav has also emerged as a promising fast-bowling option in the early phase of the tournament.
Mohsin Khan, who impressed in the opening match against Delhi, has not featured since due to stiffness, as confirmed by Moody.
