The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have confirmed that star Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a chronic hamstring injury. LSG’s Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, made the announcement during the team’s three-wicket victory over KKR at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
According to latest reports, South African all-rounder George Linde is set to be named as his replacement, with an official announcement expected within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Why Hasaranga is Missing IPL 2026
Hasaranga’s absence stems from a serious tear in his left hamstring sustained during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in February 2026.
Fitness Mandate: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently made it compulsory for centrally contracted players to pass a fitness test to receive an NOC for the IPL. Hasaranga reportedly skipped this mandatory test earlier this week.
Auction History: LSG had secured the 28-year-old for ₹2 crore in the mini-auction to bolster their spin department and lower-order hitting.
Meet the Replacement: George Linde
The 34-year-old South African veteran is poised for his maiden IPL stint. While he lacks IPL experience, his T20 pedigree is extensive:
Career Stats: 218 wickets and 2,746 runs across 250 T20 matches.
Role: A left-arm orthodox spinner who provides valuable batting depth, fitting the “all-rounder” slot vacated by Hasaranga.
LSG’s “New Sensation”: Mukul Choudhary
Despite the loss of Hasaranga, LSG fans found a new hero in Mukul Choudhary during the win against KKR. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, signed for ₹2.60 crore, pulled off a near-impossible heist.
Mukul’s Blitz at Eden Gardens:
Runs: 54* (not out)
Balls: 27
Boundaries: 7 sixes and 2 fours
Strike Rate: 200.00
Impact: He scored 52 of the final 54 runs needed for victory with no recognized batters left at the other end.