Lucknow Super Giants have suffered a significant setback in the middle of their IPL 2026 campaign, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Just when LSG were building momentum, the franchise was forced to confront the reality that Hasaranga has not yet returned to full fitness and has not played competitive cricket for nearly two months.
He has also been unable to bowl, which has further delayed his recovery and made his availability impossible for the tournament. Speaking on JioHotstar on Thursday night, LSG global director Tom Moody confirmed the development, saying the team will move quickly to identify a replacement.
“Wanindu Hasaranga won’t be able to join us and we are preparing to get a replacement in the next 24 to 48 hours,” he said. Hasaranga, who was released by Rajasthan Royals before the IPL mini auction last year, was picked up by LSG for ₹2 crore, but the injury has ended his hopes of featuring in their current season.
WATCH – Mukul Choudhary Stars As LSG Edge KKR In Last-Ball Thriller At Eden Gardens
Sri Lanka Cricket has also made it mandatory for IPL-bound players to clear a fitness test and secure a No Objection Certificate, and reports suggest Hasaranga did not apply for one. According to ESPNcricinfo, South Africa’s George Linde is among the leading candidates to replace him.
So Hasaranga is officially out as @OfficialSLC yet to give NOC since he hasn’t appeared for fitness test.@LucknowIPL looking for replacement confirms Thomas Moody
“Wanindu Hasaranga wont be able to join us and we are preparing to get a replacement in the next 24 to 48 hours,”…— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) April 9, 2026
The 34-year-old left-arm spinner has played 250 T20 matches, taking 218 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42, while also scoring 2,746 runs at a strike rate of 136.68. Linde was part of South Africa’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand in March and also featured at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
WATCH – Ajinkya Rahane Loses Bat But Still Smashes Six In KKR vs LSG IPL 2026 Clash
Despite the setback, LSG have bounced back strongly after losing their opening match to Delhi Capitals. They have since registered back-to-back wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, with the latter coming in a last-ball thriller. With four points from three matches, LSG sit fifth on the IPL 2026 points table and now turn their focus to Gujarat Titans.
