LSG may move on from Hasaranga, Pathirana's return in sight for KKR

There is still no clarity on Wanindu Hasaranga's participation in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants, but there are encouraging signs that Matheesha Pathirana could turn out for the Kolkata Knight Riders during the ongoing season.

Hasaranga, an INR 2 crore base-price buy for Lucknow Super Giants, has not only failed to report to the franchise but has also not given any indication of when he is likely to arrive. There is a possibility that the franchise may look beyond the leg-spinner from Sri Lanka.

It is learnt that Hasaranga (28) is yet to undergo the fitness test that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) intends to conduct before issuing its players NOCs for the IPL. The last update from sources in Sri Lanka suggests that Hasaranga had a batting session at the Sri Lanka camp at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo late last week; however, he did not bowl.

Hasaranga has been out of action for close to two months, having been sidelined by a tear in his left hamstring. He played in Sri Lanka's opening game of the T20 World Cup against Ireland on February 8 and has been out of action since.

Hasaranga has a chequered track record in the IPL. There is a perception among IPL franchises that some overseas players do not turn up when bought at their 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.

"We don't have any concrete update on Wanindu Hasaranga," said a source close to him. A similar response came from a Lucknow Super Giants source, who said the franchise has no clear information and it would not be a surprise if they initiate a move to seek a replacement. Cricbuzz reached out to SLC for an update.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi (both Afghanistan), Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed (both England) are among the options before the franchise. All these overseas spinners are in the RAPP list, from which a team can seek a replacement.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Pathirana has been making progress, and his franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, who bought him for INR 18 crore, remain confident that he will eventually be available this season.

Pathirana, it is learnt, has started bowling in the nets. He was seen at the Premadasa Stadium the other day, where he bowled in the nets, although not at full tilt.

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