IPL 2026: Proteas all-rounder George Linde joins Lucknow Super Giants, will replace Wanindu Hasaranga

New Delhi: The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed South African all-rounder George Linde as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, after the Sri Lankan cricketer was ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury. Hasaranga was acquired by the Lucknow franchise for ₹2 crore. He was sidelined earlier this year during Sri Lanka's opening match of the T20 World Cup due to a hamstring injury.

How much will LSG pay George Linde?

Linde is a left-handed batting all-rounder with extensive experience in the shortest format of the game. He has represented South Africa in three Tests, four ODIs, and 37 T20 Internationals. In the T20I format, he has scored 403 runs and claimed 35 wickets. The 33-year-old Linde has played over 250 T20 matches across various leagues and domestic competitions. This will mark Linde's debut season in the IPL. He joins the franchise at his 'base price' of ₹1 crore.

Why did LSG remove Wanindu Hasaranga?

According to reports, LSG was likely to make a decision regarding Hasaranga's removal from the squad in the near future. This was formally confirmed on Thursday by the IPL franchise's Cricket Director Tom Moody. Speaking during LSG's match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, the Australian stated, "Wanindu Hasaranga will not be joining our squad, and we are in the process of bringing in a replacement player. We will make an announcement regarding this within the next 24 to 48 hours."

It is understood that the franchise finalized this decision on Friday (April 10). They had also shortlisted several other overseas spinners, including Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman and England's Liam Dawson. However, they ultimately opted for the 34-year-old South African all-rounder. Linde has played 37 T20 matches for South Africa, in which he has scored 403 runs at a strike rate of 147.61 and taken 35 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58. This will be Linde's first experience in the IPL. He will join LSG at his base price of ₹1 crore. Hasaranga has not played competitive cricket for nearly two months. According to reports, he is still unable to bowl and has not yet applied to Sri Lanka Cricket for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).