Wanindu Hasaranga [Source: AFP]In a significant development, Lucknow Super Giants are currently facing uncertainty regarding Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability for IPL 2026. Notably, LSG started their IPL 2026 season with a loss against Delhi Capitals, but they came back strongly and won their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, even though the team has recovered after the first match, there is still confusion about Wanindu Hasaranga and whether he will join the team or not.Wanindu Hasaranga bought by LSGNotably, Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by LSG for ₹2 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. He was bought at his base price, and the team wanted him mainly to strengthen their spin bowling attack.However, since the beginning of IPL 2026, Hasaranga has been doubtful because of an injury. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 last month, the spinner suffered a tear in his left hamstring and was ruled out of a major part of the tournament. As a result, he has been out of action for nearly two months. Notably, he last played in Sri Lanka’s opening match of the T20 World Cup against Ireland on February 8.Sri Lanka Cricket asked players to appear for fitness testLater, Sri Lanka Cricket asked players to appear for a fitness test in order to receive the No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is required for players to participate in the IPL. Therefore, Hasaranga is expected to undergo a fitness test before receiving the NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket so that he can join the LSG squad for IPL 2026.Moreover, about a week ago, reports came out that the Sri Lankan all-rounder missed the mandatory fitness programme and did not provide any explanation for his absence. Because of this, the situation became more unclear regarding his availability for the IPL.And now in the latest development, even after a week there seems to have no clarity on Wanindu Hasaranga’s participation in IPL 2026 for LSG.Also Read: Wanindu Hasaranga Angers Sri Lanka Cricket, LSG To Pay The Price As IPL 2026 Future HitAccording to Cricbuzz reports, he has not reported to the franchise yet and has also not informed them about when he is likely to arrive. Therefore, there is a possibility that the franchise may look for a replacement player.Wanindu Hasaranga yet to undergo fitness testIt is also learnt that Hasaranga is yet to undergo the fitness test that Sri Lanka Cricket plans to conduct before issuing NOCs to players for the IPL. The last update from Sri Lanka sources suggested 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 during that session.“We don’t have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga,” said a source close to him. A similar response came from a LSG source, who said the franchise has no clear information and it would not be a surprise if they start the process of finding a replacement player.Notably, Hasaranga has had a mixed record in the IPL in the past. There is also a perception among IPL franchises that some overseas players do not turn up when they are bought at their base price. Because of such situations earlier, the IPL introduced rules in 2024 for sanctions on overseas players who pull out after the auction.Meanwhile, LSG will play their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 9.Also Read: Kevin Pietersen Throws IPL Under The Bus, Exposes Dark Side Of ECB
