The Indian Premier League (IPL) It has always been a high-stakes chess match where accessibility is as important as skill. as it approaches IPL 2026 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) they find themselves navigating a dangerous situation with the star spinner outside, Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan maestro, known for his gimmicks and low-grade pyrotechnics, was snapped up by LSG for ₹2 crore in the December auction, hailed as one of the steals of the season.
However, the injury bug that plagued Hasaranga’s career struck again at the most inopportune time. Focus on the moment with the cricketing world ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026A major development from the Sri Lankan camp sent ripples through the LSG boardroom.
Vanindu Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
In a crushing blow to Sri Lanka’s aspirations, Hasaranga has been officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. The 28-year-old sustained a serious tear in his left calf while winning the first match against Sri Lanka. Ireland in Colombo. Despite his heroic effort to complete his spell on 3/25, further MRI scans on February 10, 2026 revealed a significant tear that required immediate rehabilitation.
This news is exciting for Lucknow Super Giants. Hasaranga previously missed the entire 2024 season due to chronic heel pain and has a history of recurring foot injuries. LSG holder if his recovery timeline extends to the IPL window Sanjiv Goenka and the coaching staff will have to move quickly. Replacing a player of Hasaranga’s caliber, who offers both elite wrist spin and stroke depth, is no easy task, but there are still some world-class specialists on the market who can fill the void.
Top 3 strategic replacements LSG can target for IPL 2026
If he cannot board the flight to Hasaranga IndiaLSG should become a substitute that can use the spin-friendly tracks at the Ekana Stadium. Here are three main options a franchisee can consider:
1. Adam Zampa (Australia)
Adam Zampa He remains arguably the best T20 leg-spinner in the world, who currently lacks a permanent starting spot in every IPL franchise. Being represented last Sunrisers Hyderabad In 2025, Zampa’s ability to control the middle is second to none.
Zampa is a master of the ‘slide’ leg-break and has a deceptive googly that mirrors Hasaranga’s style. In the last T20I series against Pakistan (February 2026), Zampa showed his elite form with a clinical 4/24. While he doesn’t offer the same batting program 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)
A veteran Englishman is a connoisseur of the shortest format. Adil Rashidpreviously wearing the jerseys of PBKS and SRH, he brings a wealth of international experience having led England’s spin attack for over a decade.
Rashid is a goaltender who is not afraid to throw the ball up, even on the power play. His variations, leg-break, off-spinner and off-spinner, are delivered with almost identical movements, making him a nightmare for domestic Indian batsmen who usually play good spin. With LSG needing someone to lead the spin department, Rashid’s presence would create a formidable leg-spin threat in the middle that could suffocate any opposition.
3. Tabriz Shamsi (South Africa)
If LSG want to add a different dimension to their attack, the scintillating one Tabriz Shamsi is the perfect candidate. As a left-arm wrist spinner (Chinese), Shamsi offers a difficult angle for right-handed batsmen.
Shamsi has performed consistently in global leagues, including SA20 and ILT20 in recent stages. His mystique factor remains high and his festive energy will suit the lively atmosphere of the IPL. Historically, left-arm wrist spinners have been rare and highly successful in the IPL. Shamsi’s left-handed prowess would give LSG a unique “X-factor” that many teams will try to prepare for during a busy schedule.
Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can replace Pat Cummins if he misses out
