A big injury scare has hit the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp just days before the start of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise could lose one of its key players, as Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is now struggling with a serious injury that may keep him out of the tournament.
Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was their key overseas spin-bowling all-rounder for the upcoming season.
Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful for IPL 2026 Auction
With the IPL 2026 set to kick off on March 28, discussions have already started about a possible replacement. Many reports and online talks suggest that West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie could join the LSG side if Wanindu Hasaranga fails to recover in time.
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Wanindu Hasaranga suffered the injury during the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024. During Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo, the all-rounder suffered a serious tear in his left hamstring while fielding. The injury was severe enough to rule him out of the rest of the tournament.
Since then, there has been uncertainty around his recovery. Hamstring injuries usually take time to heal, and that has raised doubts about whether Hasaranga will be fit for IPL 2026.
Gudakesh Motie likely to replace Wanindu Hasaranga at LSG squad
Because of this situation, Lucknow Super Giants are keeping their options open. Gudakesh Motie’s name has come up as a strong possibility to replace Wanindu Hasaranga. The left-arm spinner has impressed many with his calm bowling and ability to control the game in the middle overs.
Interestingly, Motie was already signed to play in the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) for Lahore Qalandars. However, reports suggest the West Indies youngster might withdraw from the upcoming PSL 2026 if he receives an IPL offer from the LSG.
BIG BLOW FOR LSG STAR PLAYER OUT? #lucknowsupergiants #waninduhasaranga #sanjeevgoenka #rishabhpant pic.twitter.com/8JOF74BK33
— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) March 16, 2026
This kind of situation is not unusual in franchise cricket. Many international players prefer the IPL because it is the biggest T20 league in the world, and it also offers a much more lucrative deal than Pakistan.
Most recently, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani pulled out of the PSL at the last moment to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and the PCB already decided to take action against him.
Lucknow Super Giants eye strong start after 2025 disaster
Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants will start their IPL 2026 campaign at home against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
The slow pitch in Lucknow is expected to help their spinners, and the team would be eager to grab early points after their poor show in the 2025 season.
After this match, LSG will head to high-scoring venues in Hyderabad and Kolkata. These matches will test their power hitters and the new pace attack in death overs. Notably, the BCCI announced the schedule only for Phase 1 (March 28 – April 12).
| Date | Rival Team | Venue | Time (IST) |
| April 1 | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| April 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| April 9 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| April 12 | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow | 3:30 PM |
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