The Lucknow Super Giants have encountered a significant setback as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka has been officially ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The franchise is set to reveal a replacement for Hasaranga shortly. This information was disclosed by Tom Moody, LSG’s director of cricket, during the team’s match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Replacement to be Announced Soon

During the match, Moody indicated that the organization would provide updates regarding the replacement player within the next 24 to 48 hours. Speculation suggests that South African spinner George Linde, who has yet to compete in this lucrative league, may be chosen to fill Hasaranga’s void. Moody acknowledged the situation, stating that preparations were underway for Hasaranga’s absence and that a decision regarding his replacement is imminent.

Injury Issues for Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga has been sidelined since February due to a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. Reports also indicated that Hasaranga did not complete the necessary fitness assessments mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket, which are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the IPL. LSG had acquired Hasaranga for INR 2 crore during last season’s auction, but he could not join the squad due to his injury concerns. Previously, Hasaranga played for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore between 2021 and 2023.

Match Highlights: LSG vs KKR

In the same match where the announcement about Hasaranga was made, the Lucknow Super Giants managed to secure a thrilling three-wicket victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing a target of 182 runs, LSG succeeded in the final moments of the game, concluding the match with a score of 183 runs. Contributions from Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary, both scoring half-centuries, were pivotal in this close encounter, particularly with Choudhary’s explosive finishing that clinched the victory in the last over.

Notable Performances

According to CricViz, the pair of Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan produced an unbeaten 54-run partnership, marking the highest for the eighth wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase. Mukul Choudhary was instrumental, scoring 52 runs of the total, while Avesh Khan contributed with a score of 1 not out off three balls. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders had set a competitive score of 181 for four, thanks to significant contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 41 runs, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who added 45 runs. Despite the efforts of KKR’s bowlers to maintain tight control, LSG kept their composure to achieve a dramatic win against their opponents.

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