Two Sri Lankan players, two very different situations heading into the second week of IPL 2026.

Wanindu Hasaranga has not reported to LSG, has not indicated when he might arrive and has not yet passed the fitness test Sri Lanka Cricket requires before issuing NOCs to their players.

Matheesha Pathirana meanwhile has started bowling in the nets at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and KKR remain confident he will feature this season.

The contrast between the two updates tells the story of where both franchises stand right now with their overseas spinning and pace options.

Wanindu Hasaranga situation and what LSG are considering

Wanindu Hasaranga has been out of action for close to two months having torn his left hamstring during Sri Lanka's opening T20 World Cup game against Ireland on February 8. He played no further part in the tournament and has not bowled since.

The last information from sources in Sri Lanka suggests Wanindu Hasaranga had a batting session at the Premadasa Stadium late last week but did not bowl.

Sri Lanka Cricket intends to conduct a fitness test before issuing Wanindu Hasaranga NOC and that test has not happened yet. LSG bought him at his base price of Rs 2 crore and the franchise currently has no concrete update on when or whether he will arrive.

Sources close to both the player and the franchise used almost identical language when contacted by Cricbuzz. Neither side has clear information and LSG are now considering whether to seek a replacement rather than wait indefinitely.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed are among the overseas spinners available on the RAPP list from which franchises can draw replacements.

Wanindu Hasaranga has a complicated history with IPL franchises and following a complaint from Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 the IPL introduced sanctions provisions for overseas players who withdraw after being bought at auction. Whether those provisions become relevant in this situation depends on how the next few days develop.

Also READ: IPL 2026 rule changes: BCCI updates DRS referrals, innings timer and concussion replacement policy

Matheesha Pathirana update and what it means for KKR

The news from KKR's camp is considerably more positive. Matheesha Pathirana, bought for Rs 18 crore, has begun bowling in the nets at the Premadasa Stadium.

Matheesha Pathirana is not yet at full pace and the sessions have been cautious rather than match-intensity but the fact that he has the ball in his hand again is the most encouraging sign the franchise has had since the tournament began.

KKR have been managing without Matheesha Pathirana through the opening games and the combination of Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and the pace options available to them has carried the bowling so far.

When Matheesha Pathirana does become available he is expected to slot in as the Impact Player, a role that allows KKR to bat deeper while keeping one of the most dangerous death bowlers in T20 cricket in reserve for the final overs. The franchise's confidence that Matheesha Pathirana will play some part in IPL 2026 is the clearest signal yet that his return is a matter of timing rather than doubt.