Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finally accepted what had been evident for a while. Wanindu Hasaranga is not joining them this IPL 2026 season. After weeks of uncertainty around his fitness and availability, the franchise is now moving forward, with a replacement expected to be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Director of cricket Tom Moody confirmed the development during LSG’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. The messaging was clear that the team has waited long enough and cannot afford to leave a gap in their squad as the tournament gathers pace.
Hasaranga had picked up a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s opening game in the T20 World Cup earlier this year and has not returned to competitive cricket since. More importantly, he has not cleared the mandatory fitness requirements set by Sri Lanka Cricket, which is a prerequisite for obtaining the NOC to play in the IPL.
Linde likely as LSG look for a like-for-like option
Among the names being considered, South Africa’s George Linde appears to be the frontrunner, at least as per ESPNcricinfo report. While he is yet to play in the IPL, Linde brings experience across multiple T20 leagues, including SA20, the Hundred, Major League Cricket and the PSL.
Linde is a smart operator as well, having played the T20 World Cup recently for South Africa. Over 250 T20 matches, he has picked up 218 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42. He also offers lower-order batting, a role Hasaranga was expected to play. However, it is interesting since LSG already have Shahbaz Ahmed to do what Linde can do. M Siddharth, who is playing in the LSG lineup, is another potent left-arm spinner. Hence, Linde might be just an overseas version of what Shahbaz can do.
That said, Linde’s recent form is not great either. In his last T20 series against New Zealand, he managed just one wicket in four games. But LSG seem to be looking beyond short-term numbers and focusing on the all-round aspect.
Hasaranga’s injury woes continue
For those unaware, Hasaranga has undergone two significant surgeries since 2023, both related to severe hamstring tears. During LPL 2023, he suffered a Grade 3 muscle tear that forced him to miss the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Asia Cup preceding to that.
In the lead up to the T20 World Cup 2026, he underwent a minor surgery for a recurring hamstring issue in late January 2026, shortly after seeking specialist treatment in Singapore. In addition to his hamstring woes, Hasaranga suffered from chronic heel pain in his left foot throughout early 2024.
Having said that, there were initial reports that LSG have taken matters into their own hands and have shortlisted four replacement options for Hasaranga. However, Linde wasn’t part of that. Instead, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi were touted to be shortlisted.
LSG’s bowling holds firm despite setbacks
Interestingly, Hasaranga’s absence has not hurt LSG as much as expected so far. Their bowling unit has held up well and is, in fact, their sexiest part. Mohammed Shami’s incredible form has been a hit. Meanwhile, Prince Yadav’s superb season continues to force LSG to keep the likes of Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav on the bench. Anrich Nortje can’t make it to the lineup, while Avesh Khan hsa done decent too.
The spin department has been shared between Digvesh Rathi and M Siddharth; Shahbaz Ahmed hasn’t been getting any room. There have been concerns around Mohsin Khan, who has been dealing with stiffness, but the overall balance has not looked compromised.
Cricket
Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of IPL 2026; LSG close in on overseas spin replacement
