Lucknow Super Giants are preparing to welcome South African left-arm spinner George Linde as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, whose hamstring issue has kept him out of IPL 2026. Hasaranga picked up the injury during the T20 World Cup and, despite recovery efforts, has not been deemed fit enough to return in time.
Quick facts
- George Linde (South Africa) is set to join Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026.
- Hasaranga has been ruled out after insufficient recovery from a hamstring injury sustained at the T20 World Cup.
- Tom Moody confirmed LSG’s replacement plan during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday (April 9).
- Moody said the squad would announce a replacement within the next 24 to 48 hours.
- LSG were reported to have considered overseas spin options including Mujeeb ur Rahman (Afghanistan) and Liam Dawson (England).
- Linde has played 37 T20Is for South Africa, scoring 403 runs (147.61) and taking 35 wickets (7.58 economy).
- This will be Linde’s first IPL stint.
- Linde is expected to join LSG at a reserve price of INR 1 crore.
The decision was communicated by LSG’s Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, during the franchise’s clash with Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Moody stated that Hasaranga would not be able to join the team and that Lucknow had moved into the replacement process, with an announcement due shortly.
Moody’s remarks came on Thursday, April 9, while the franchise’s internal call is understood to have been finalised on Friday, April 10. LSG’s approach also included exploring other overseas bowling options, with Mujeeb ur Rahman of Afghanistan and England’s Liam Dawson named among the shortlist.
In the end, Lucknow opted for the 34-year-old Linde. The left-arm spinner brings experience from international cricket, having featured in 37 T20Is for South Africa—accumulating 403 runs at a strike rate of 147.61 and claiming 35 wickets with an economy rate of 7.58.
Linde’s arrival at Lucknow will mark his maiden appearance in the IPL. He is set to join the franchise at his reserve price of INR 1 crore, giving LSG an immediate spin replacement heading into the season.
