![Rishabh Pant and Wanindu Hasaranga [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775755559871_RishabhPantandWaninduHasaranga.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant and Wanindu Hasaranga [Source: AFP]
Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan all-rounder and Lucknow Super Giants' INR 2 crore IPL 2026 auction buy, has not joined the squad yet. Notably, the all-rounder is injured and remains doubtful for participation in the tournament.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence created a significant void for LSG, who have already played three matches in the IPL, with the latest being against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Why Hasaranga is out of IPL 2026?
Wanindu Hasaranga has been doubtful after suffering a tear in his left hamstring, which ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2026. This resulted in him missing a major part of the cricketing action.
Nevertheless, amid these injury concerns, Tom Moody, the global director of cricket for Lucknow Super Giants, has shared some good news for LSG fans.
Moody confirms Hasaranga replacement for LSG
During the KKR vs LSG IPL 2026 clash on April 9 at the Eden Gardens, Tom Moody was present on the sidelines. On air, he confirmed that a replacement for Hasaranga would be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours.
While there has been no confirmation on the name yet, the shortlisted replacement pool reportedly includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed.
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghanistan mystery spinner with limited Indian Premier League experience, could be a straightforward replacement for Hasaranga. However, Mohammad Nabi also presents a strong case given his power-hitting abilities in the lower middle order.
Liam Dawson, a left-arm orthodox spinner from England, offers value as a useful lower-order batter, making him a smart option for team balance. Rehan Ahmed, another promising English talent, could serve as a like-for-like tactical replacement.
However, given the limited participation of England players in the IPL, either Mohammad Nabi or Mujeeb Ur Rahman appear more likely.
Sri Lanka veteran skips fitness test
Wanindu Hasaranga has been out of cricket action for nearly two months. He last played in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup match against Ireland on February 8.
Sri Lanka Cricket had also asked players to undergo a mandatory fitness test to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the participation.
However, as per recent reports, Hasaranga did not attend the fitness program, and no explanation was provided for his absence. With no update on his availability, the LSG camp has now effectively decided to move on by announcing a replacement.
Hasaranga’s IPL exploits
Hasaranga has played 37 matches in the tournament, picking up 46 wickets and scoring 81 runs. He has been effective with the ball, maintaining an economy rate of 8.41 in the tournament.
While he initially played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Wanindu Hasaranga’s last season was with Rajasthan Royals before being signed by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026.
LSG choppy yet steady in the tournament
So far, Lucknow Super Giants have won one match out of the two games they have completed, with a victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad, courtesy of Rishabh Pant.
They currently sit in seventh position on the points table, with their upcoming clash against the Gujarat Titans scheduled for April 12 at 3:30 PM IST at Ekana Stadium.
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