Kamal Ghorui
Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is yet to report to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2026 and has not even indicated when he might join the squad, with no clarity also on his fitness clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricbuzz reported on Monday.The 28-year-old leg-spinner, bought at a base price of Rs 2 crore by LSG, has not undergone the mandatory fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for the IPL. Without clearing this process, his participation in the league remains uncertain.Hasaranga is recovering from a hamstring injury.As per the Cricbuzz report, Hasaranga recently had a batting session at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo but did not bowl. He has been out of action for nearly two months due to a tear in his left hamstring. His last appearance came in Sri Lanka’s opening match of the T20 World Cup against Ireland on February 8.“We don’t have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga,” a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. The team is now considering the possibility of looking at replacement options for the Sri Lankan spinner.Among the players available in the replacement pool are Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed.Hasaranga’s absence also comes amid concerns among IPL franchises over overseas players not joining after being picked at base price. Following a complaint from Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, the IPL introduced provisions for sanctions on overseas players who pull out after the auction. LSG registered their first win of the IPL 2026 on Sunday after captain Rishabh Pant guided the team home against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). LSG defeated SRH by five wickets to claim their first win of this season.Meanwhile, there are signs of progress on Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who is part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has started bowling in the nets at the Premadasa Stadium, though not at full intensity, and the franchise remains hopeful of his availability later in the season.
