Lucknow Super Giants have moved to add South African left-arm spinner George Linde to their squad, stepping in as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026. The change was confirmed around the franchise’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, with Lucknow indicating they would name a new overseas option within the following couple of days.
Key takeaways
- George Linde is expected to join Lucknow Super Giants as Hasaranga’s replacement for IPL 2026.
- Hasaranga’s unavailability was confirmed ahead of the next phase of team preparations.
- Tom Moody said a replacement would be announced within 24 to 48 hours after the KKR match at Eden Gardens.
- Lucknow considered other overseas spin options, including Mujeeb ur Rahman and Liam Dawson.
- After the shortlist, the franchise opted for the 34-year-old left-arm spinner, George Linde.
Moody confirms the replacement plan
During Lucknow’s game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Tom Moody, the franchise’s Director of Cricket, addressed the situation around Wanindu Hasaranga. Moody stated that Hasaranga would not be able to join the squad and that the team was already preparing to secure cover in the form of a new player. He added that the franchise would make an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Shortlist narrowing to Linde
Lucknow’s decision is understood to have been finalised on Friday (April 10), following the earlier confirmation that Hasaranga would miss IPL 2026. The franchise had reportedly looked at a few alternative overseas spin candidates, with Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman and England’s Liam Dawson among the names considered. Ultimately, Lucknow settled on George Linde, the 34-year-old South African left-arm spinner, to take over the overseas spin role in the squad.
