Overview
- Lucknow Super Giants confirmed Friday that George Linde will replace Wanindu Hasaranga for the rest of IPL 2026, according to an official IPL advisory.
- Hasaranga was ruled out after tearing his left hamstring in Sri Lanka’s opening T20 World Cup match in February, with reports also noting incomplete fitness tests and no NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- Linde, a left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox, joins for his base price of INR 1 crore in what will be his first IPL stint.
- The 34-year-old brings broad T20 pedigree with 250 matches and 218 wickets, plus international experience for South Africa across three Tests, four ODIs, and 37 T20Is.
- LSG moved quickly after Director of Cricket Tom Moody signaled a replacement would come within 24–48 hours, with reports indicating Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Liam Dawson were also considered before Linde was finalized.