LSG issues official statement on Wanindu Hasaranga during IPL 2026 clash

Sri Lanka 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 behalf of the franchise, Tom Moody, the Global Director of Cricket for LSG, confirmed that they are on the verge of announcing the replacement of the Lankan spinner for the IPL 2026 season.

LSG to announce the replacement of Wanindu Hasaranga soon

According to the latest updates, LSG will sign a replacement player for Wanindu Hasaranga in the next 24 to 48 hours. In IPL 2026, multiple teams, including the Lucknow Super Giants and the Kolkata Knight Riders, suffered because of the dilemma regarding the Sri Lankan talent.

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Because of the Sri Lankan cricket board’s new mandates, some of their star players find it very tough to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without an NOC, the Sri Lankan cricketers are not allowed to take part 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 because of an injury. As per reports, he has been ruled out of the season due to a serious left hamstring tear sustained on February 8, during the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the season, Super Giants secured the service of the spinner for INR 2 crore. Hasaranga was ruled out of the league, as he failed the fitness tests.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League and before the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made proven fitness levels mandatory for all of their key players. Wanindu Hasaranaga is among the most talented cricketers of the nation.

“We are sort of preparing for him not to be available for us. So, we are in the process of finalising a replacement that will be announced in the next 24-48 hours," Tom Moody said while talking to the broadcaster during the Kolkata Knight Riders vs the Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Three days ago, Cricbuzz reported, "It is learnt that Hasaranga (28) is yet to undergo the fitness test that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) intends to conduct before issuing its players NOCs for the IPL. The last update from sources in Sri Lanka suggests that Hasaranga had a batting session at the Sri Lanka camp at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo late last week; however, he did not bowl."

How can the absence of Wanindu Hesaranga affect the bowling department of LSG?

The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga can largely influence the bowling attack of the team. As the Lankan star can contribute both with his spin bowling and batting skills, he could provide balance to the team. Without the service of the spin bowling all-rounder, the team management will have to rely mostly on the Indian talents for now.

As of now, experienced Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is the most experienced bowler of the Lucknow Super Giants. As Tom Moddy informed, the franchise is now exploring replacement options, indicating uncertainty about his future involvement.

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