IPL 2026: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out as LSG face major injury setback; team to name replacement soon
The update came from LSG director of cricket Tom Moody during the team’s away match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Moody stated that the team is currently working on a new player replacement and expects an announcement soon.
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According to the report, South African left-arm spinner George Linde, who is yet to make his IPL debut, is likely to replace Hasaranga in the squad.
“We are preparing for the fact that he won’t be able to join us,” Moody said during LSG’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata on Thursday, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “We are looking at changes that should be announced within 24-48 hours.”
Hasaranga has been out since February due to a left hamstring tear sustained in Sri Lanka’s opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Reports also suggested that the all-rounder did not undergo mandatory fitness assessments under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket, a requirement to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL.
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The franchise had purchased Hasaranga for Rs 2 million in the previous auction, but he was denied participation due to injury before the start of the season. He had previously represented Rajasthan Royals and also played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru between 2021 and 2023.
