Wanindu Hasaranga Officially Ruled Out Of IPL 2026; LSG To Announce Replacement Soon

Lucknow Super Giants rule out Wanindu Hasaranga due to injury, with George Linde emerging as a likely replacement.

In a big blow for Lucknow Super Giants, Sri Lanka veteran Wanindu Hasaranga hasn’t recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered in the T20 World Cup 2026 yet, and hence, he has been ruled out of IPL 2026 by the franchise.

During the live KKR vs LSG clash on April 9, from the sidelines of the game, LSG’s global director of cricket, Tom Moody, shared an official confirmation on Jio Hotstar, explaining that Hasaranga will be absent from LSG’s squad and a replacement will join soon.

“Wanindu Hasaranga won’t be able to join us and we are preparing to get a replacement in the next 24 to 48 hours,” LSG global director Tom Moody said on JioHotstar on Thursday night.

George Linde As Hasaranga Replacement?

Hasaranga was bought by LSG in the IPL 2026 auction for INR 2 crore after being released by Rajasthan Royals.

However, since then, no proper and formal communication has been made with the Sri Lanka star, who is reportedly still nursing his injury and has not appeared for the fitness tests arranged by Sri Lanka Cricket for IPL participation. Notably, Hasaranga also didn’t request an NOC.

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With clouds of uncertainty already looming before Tom Moody’s clarification, the replacement pool now suggests a South African star to be brought in as Hasaranga’s replacement. As per an ESPNcricinfo report, George Linde, a prolific Proteas all-rounder, could be signed as a replacement.

Linde’s skill set includes left-arm spin and vast T20 experience, having taken 280 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42, while also scoring 2746 runs at a strike rate of 136.68.