Lucknow Super Giants have moved to secure a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of IPL 2026, bringing in Proteas all-rounder George Linde. Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament after a hamstring issue sustained during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Quick facts
- LSG sign George Linde as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga for IPL 2026.
- Hasaranga had been bought by LSG for INR 2 crore at the auction but is sidelined by a hamstring injury.
- Linde is a left-handed batting all-rounder and bowls slow left-arm orthodox.
- Linde’s IPL deal is at his reserve price of INR 1 crore.
- This will be Linde’s first IPL campaign.
- Linde has played 250 T20 matches across his career and has taken 218 wickets in those games at an economy rate of 7.42.
- LSG’s next match is against Gujarat Titans at BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday afternoon.
LSG had originally acquired Hasaranga for INR 2 crore at the auction, but his fitness concerns have forced the franchise to look elsewhere. The injury was picked up in Sri Lanka’s early outing at the T20 World Cup, and that timeline has now ruled him out of IPL 2026.
Linde steps in as a left-arm option with the bat as well. The South Africa player is known for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling and left-handed batting, and he has already represented his country across formats including 3 Tests, 4 ODIs, and 37 T20 internationals.
In T20Is, Linde has registered 403 runs and taken 35 wickets, underlining his value as an all-format contributor. He also brings significant experience in the shortest format, having turned out in 250 T20 matches overall.
From international experience to IPL debut
This appointment marks Linde’s maiden appearance in the IPL. He is set to join Lucknow at his reserve price of INR 1 crore, adding a fresh bowling angle to the squad led by Rishabh Pant.
Moody had hinted at the replacement process earlier this week, saying LSG were preparing for the possibility that Hasaranga would not be able to travel with the squad and that alternative options would be announced within 24–48 hours. His remarks came during Thursday’s game at Eden Gardens, where Lucknow beat the opposition by three wickets on the final ball.
Linde’s most recent outing in T20 cricket came in the bilateral series against New Zealand last month. Across four innings, he managed just one wicket, but his overall T20 wicket tally and economy rate have remained a key part of his appeal—218 scalps from 250 matches at 7.42.
Beyond international cricket, Linde has also featured in major franchise competitions including SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the PSL. With Hasaranga out, Linde now becomes the latest overseas acquisition for LSG.
Lucknow will next take on Gujarat Titans at their home venue, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, on Sunday afternoon. The match will be another test for LSG as they integrate the new signing into their plans for the season.
