Lucknow Super Giants have confirmed that Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will not be available for the IPL 2026, with the franchise indicating that it is already working on a replacement following the decision. The update was delivered by Lucknow’s cricket director Tom Moody during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday, shortly after Lucknow secured a three-wicket win over KKR.
Hasaranga ruled out and replacement process begins
- Lucknow Super Giants announced on Thursday that Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of IPL 2026.
- Tom Moody shared the development during the fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
- After the franchise’s three-wicket victory over KKR, Lucknow said it is “preparing” to name a replacement for Hasaranga.
- Moody indicated that the official replacement announcement is expected within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Lucknow had secured Hasaranga for INR 2 crore in the mini-auction, but he could not join their squad due to injury. The 28-year-old previously turned out for Rajasthan Royals last season, and he was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s setup from 2021 to 2023.
Hasaranga has been sidelined since he suffered a hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener in February. Further complications emerged this week as it was reported that he did not clear Sri Lanka Cricket’s mandatory fitness test earlier this week.
With Sri Lanka Cricket making the fitness examination compulsory for centrally contracted players in order to secure an NOC for the IPL, Moody addressed the situation in the build-up to Lucknow’s match in Kolkata. “We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us,” Moody said during the game. He added, “We are looking at replacements that should be announced in 24-48 hours.”
Lucknow’s start to IPL 2026 and key contributors
Lucknow are currently fifth in the points table after their three-wicket win versus KKR. Despite the uncertainty around Hasaranga, the franchise has managed to keep momentum, and their latest triumph was built on a fast-moving innings from Mukul Choudhary, who struck 54 off 27 balls to help Lucknow chase down the target and complete the win from a losing position.
The Rishabh Pant-led side has won two of its three IPL 2026 games. Lucknow began the tournament with a defeat to Delhi Capitals, before bouncing back to win back-to-back matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and KKR.
Lucknow also believe they can cope with the absence of Hasaranga because their bowling unit has settled into a strong structure. Their spin options include Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, and Shahbaz Ahmed, while Mohammed Shami has spearheaded the pace and swing department. Prince Yadav has stood out as well, impressing in the three matches he has played so far.
Lucknow’s selection picture has also faced another concern: Mohsin Khan, who looked sharp in the opening match against Delhi, has been ruled out since the start of the week due to “stiffness”, as Moody confirmed on Thursday.
