Table of Contents
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a high-stakes chess match where availability is as crucial as ability. As we approach the IPL 2026 season, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) find themselves navigating a precarious situation regarding their star overseas spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan maestro, known for his bamboozling googlies and lower-order pyrotechnics, was snapped up by LSG for ₹2 crore in the December auction, a move hailed as one of the steals of the season.
However, the injury bug that has plagued Hasaranga’s career has struck again at the most inopportune time. With the cricketing world currently focused on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a major development from the Sri Lankan camp has sent ripples through the LSG boardroom.
Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
In a devastating blow to Sri Lanka’s aspirations, Hasaranga has been officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. The 28-year-old sustained a severe left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening match victory against Ireland in Colombo. Despite a heroic effort where he completed his spell to take 3/25, subsequent MRI scans on February 10, 2026, revealed a significant tear that requires immediate rehabilitation.
For Lucknow Super Giants, this news is alarming. Hasaranga previously missed the entire 2024 season due to chronic heel pain and has a history of recurring leg injuries. If his recovery timeline extends into the IPL window, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and the coaching staff will need to move swiftly. Replacing a player of Hasaranga’s calibre, who offers both elite wrist-spin and batting depth is no easy feat, but the market still holds some world-class specialists who could fill the void.
Top 3 strategic replacements LSG can target for IPL 2026
If Hasaranga is unable to board the flight to India, LSG must pivot to a replacement who can exploit the spin-friendly tracks at the Ekana Stadium. Here are three premier options the franchise could consider:
1. Adam Zampa (Australia)
Adam Zampa remains arguably the finest T20 leg-spinner in the world not currently holding a permanent starting spot in every IPL franchise. Having most recently represented Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025, Zampa’s ability to control the middle overs is second to none.
Zampa is a master of the “sliding” leg-break and possesses a deceptive googly that mirrors Hasaranga’s style. In the recent T20I series against Pakistan (February 2026), Zampa showcased his elite form with a clinical 4/24. While he doesn’t offer the same batting utility as Hasaranga, his tactical brilliance and experience on Indian subcontinental tracks make him a “plug-and-play” option for LSG’s bowling attack.
2. Adil Rashid (England)
The veteran Englishman is a connoisseur of the shortest format. Adil Rashid, who has previously donned the jerseys of PBKS and SRH, brings a wealth of international experience, having spearheaded England’s spin attack for over a decade.
Rashid is a wicket-taking spinner who isn’t afraid to toss the ball up, even in the power play. His variations, the leg-break, the googly, and the top-spinner, are delivered with almost identical actions, making him a nightmare for local Indian batters who usually play spin well. With LSG needing someone to lead their spin department, Rashid’s presence would create a formidable leg-spin threat that could stifle any opposition in the middle overs.
3. Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa)
If LSG wants to add a different dimension to their attack, the flamboyant Tabraiz Shamsi is the perfect candidate. As a left-arm wrist-spinner (Chinaman), Shamsi offers an angle that is notoriously difficult for right-handed batters to pick.
Shamsi has been a consistent performer in global leagues, including recent stints in the SA20 and ILT20. His mystery factor remains high, and his celebratory energy would fit right into the vibrant atmosphere of the IPL. Historically, left-arm wrist-spinners have been rare and highly successful in the IPL. Shamsi’s left-arm craft would give LSG a unique “X-factor” that most teams would struggle to prepare for during the hectic tournament schedule.
Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
