Lucknow Super Giants to Name Wanindu Hasaranga's Replacement Soon Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing to announce a replacement for their injured Sri Lankan legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, with the decision expected within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the team’s director of cricket, Tom Moody. Hasaranga, who has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s opening match of the T20 World Cup in February, remains unavailable for the IPL 2026 season. Moody confirmed during LSG’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that the team is actively seeking a replacement and plans to finalize the decision shortly. The likely candidate for Hasaranga’s role is South African left-arm spinner George Linde, who has not yet played in the IPL but is being considered for the position. Moody emphasized that the team is already preparing for Hasaranga’s absence, stating, “We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us. We are looking at replacements, that should be announced in 24-48 hours.” This move comes after Hasaranga failed to meet the mandatory fitness tests required by the Sri Lankan Cricket Association (SLC) to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) for IPL participation. ESPNcricinfo reported earlier this week that Hasaranga had not undergone the necessary fitness assessments, which are a prerequisite for international players to join domestic leagues. Hasaranga, who was purchased by LSG for INR 2 crore (approximately US$222,000) at the IPL 2026 auction, was unable to join the squad after his injury. Prior to this, he played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2023 season and was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2021 to 2023.#kolkata_knight_riders #tom_moody #lucky_super_giants #george_linde #sri_lanka_cricket_association
