Lucknow Super Giants are still without a clear timeline for Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability ahead of IPL 2026, even as Kolkata Knight Riders’ camp is receiving more positive momentum around Matheesha Pathirana during the current season. While Hasaranga’s situation remains uncertain, Pathirana appears to be moving steadily back toward full training, offering KKR a potential boost if he gets the go-ahead in time.
Hasaranga’s IPL 2026 status: no confirmed return date
Hasaranga, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for an INR 2 crore base price, has not reported to the franchise and has not provided any indication of when he might join. The lack of communication has opened the door for Lucknow to consider alternatives, with the franchise weighing whether to look beyond the Sri Lanka leg-spinner.
- Wanindu Hasaranga was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore.
- He has not reported to the franchise and has not shared a likely arrival date.
- Lucknow may explore a replacement if the uncertainty continues.
Fitness checks, NOCs and the latest Sri Lanka camp update
Reports from Sri Lanka indicate Hasaranga has yet to complete the fitness test that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) plans to conduct before granting player NOCs for the IPL. The most recent update coming out of Colombo suggests he joined a batting session at the R Premadasa Stadium camp late last week, but he did not bowl during that period.
- Hasaranga is yet to undergo the fitness test SLC intends to conduct for IPL NOCs.
- Late last week, he attended a batting session at the Sri Lanka camp at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- He did not bowl during that session.
Injury layoff and IPL replacement considerations
Hasaranga has been sidelined for close to two months due to a tear in his left hamstring. He featured in Sri Lanka’s opening match of the T20 World Cup against Ireland on February 8, and has been out of action since that game.
His IPL record has also contributed to the caution around overseas arrivals. There is a long-standing perception among some franchises that certain overseas players may not turn up after being purchased at their base price. Following complaints from Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, the IPL introduced sanction-related provisions for overseas players who withdraw after the auction.
Speaking on the matter, a source close to Hasaranga said there is no concrete update on his situation. A Lucknow Super Giants source echoed similar uncertainty, adding that it would not be surprising if the team decided to pursue a replacement.
When Cricbuzz contacted SLC for an update, the names being discussed as potential options for Lucknow included Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan), along with Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed (both from England). These overseas spinners are listed in the RAPP pool, from which a franchise can request a replacement.
- Hasaranga has been unavailable for close to two months with a left hamstring tear.
- He played Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup match versus Ireland on February 8.
- Lucknow has no confirmed information on his return and may seek a replacement.
- Overseas sanction provisions were introduced after Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2024 complaint about post-auction withdrawals.
- Potential replacement options discussed include Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed.
- All the mentioned overseas spinners are part of the RAPP list, enabling a replacement request.
Pathirana’s positive progression for KKR
While Hasaranga’s case remains unresolved, Pathirana’s progress is being viewed as encouraging for Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise that secured him for INR 18 crore. KKR remain confident he will eventually become available during this season, with the latest indications pointing to a gradual ramp-up in training.
It is understood that Pathirana has started bowling in the nets. He was also seen at the R Premadasa Stadium the other day, where he bowled in the practice nets, though not at full intensity.
- KKR paid INR 18 crore for Matheesha Pathirana.
- KKR are confident he will be available this season.
- Pathirana has begun bowling in the nets.
- He was seen at R Premadasa Stadium and bowled in nets, but not at full pace/intensity.
