Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have enlisted South African all-rounder George Linde to fill in for Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the rest of IPL 2026, as per the tournament organizers. Hasaranga, who was bought by LSG for Rs 2 crore in the previous player auction, is sidelined from the ongoing IPL due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
LSG’s Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, mentioned the need for replacements as Hasaranga’s absence was confirmed. Linde, known for his left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling, will debut in the IPL. With experience in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for South Africa, Linde has a track record of 403 runs and 35 wickets in T20 internationals.
The 34-year-old recently participated in a T20 series against New Zealand, securing one wicket in four innings. Linde, a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket with 218 wickets in 250 matches at an economy rate of 7.42, joins LSG at his base price of Rs 1 crore. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, is set to clash with Gujarat Titans at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.
