Lucknow Super Gaints (Photo: IPL)

In a major setback for the Lucknow Super Giants, star Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The franchise is expected to announce a replacement within the next 24 to 48 hours, ESPNcricinfo reports.“We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us,” Moody said during LSG’s game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata on Thursday. “We are looking at replacements, that should be announced in 24-48 hours.”South Africa’s left-arm spinner George Linde is the frontrunner to replace Hasaranga. Linde, who is yet to feature in the IPL, could get his maiden opportunity in the tournament. Hasaranga has been out of action since tearing his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s opening game at the T20 World Cup in February. ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier this week that Hasaranga had not taken the mandatory fitness tests under SLC’s observation, which was a mandate to get an NOC to join the IPL.In IPL 2026 mini-auction, LSG acquired Hasaranga for INR 2 crore at the auction, but was unable to join the squad due to injury. He previously represented Rajasthan Royals last season and Royal Challengers Bengaluru between 2021 and 2023.George Linde’s most recent T20 appearance came in the bilateral series against New Zealand, where he managed just one wicket across four innings. However, he has remained active on the global circuit, featuring in the T20 World Cup and franchise leagues such as SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the PSL over the past year. Overall, he has claimed 218 wickets in 250 T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.42.LSG edge KKR in last-ball thrillerDespite the setback, Lucknow Super Giants registered a thrilling three-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, chasing down 182 in a last-ball finish. Half-centuries from Ayush Badoni (54) and debutant Mukul Choudhary (54*) anchored the chase, with Choudhary’s explosive finishing sealing the win in dramatic fashion.Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan put together an unbeaten 54-run stand, the highest partnership for the eighth wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase. Remarkably, Choudhary scored 52 of those runs, while Avesh contributed just 1* off 3 balls.Earlier, KKR posted 181/4, powered by contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (41), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45), and a late flourish from Rovman Powell and Cameron Green.However, LSG held their nerve under pressure to pull off one of the most dramatic chases of the season.