IPL 2026: George Linde named as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement at LSG

Lucknow Super Giants have replaced Wanindu Hasaranga with South African left-arm spin all-rounder George Linde. He will be signed for his base price of INR 1 crore.

The franchise had to move on from Hasaranga for the 2026 season due to uncertainty over his fitness. Hasaranga's last appearance came in the T20 World Cup, in Sri Lanka's opening fixture against Ireland. He picked up three wickets, but was unable to continue in the tournament after tearing his left hamstring.

The 28-year-old has reportedly not completed the mandatory fitness test required to receive a No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket, which allows participation in the league. He was signed by LSG for his base price of INR 2 crore ahead of the 2026 season.

"Wanindu Hasaranga won't be able to join us and we are preparing to get a replacement. We will be announcing it in the next 24 to 48 hours," LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody had said during their match against KKR.

LSG considered multiple players, including Afghanistan's Mujeeb ur-Rahman and England's Liam Dawson, but finally arrived at Linde's name as Hasaranga's replacement. 

Linde has played 37 T20Is for South Africa, having picked up 35 wickets at a respectable economy of 7.58. He has also scored 403 runs, striking at 147.61, which shows his prowess as a handy lower-order batter as well.

This will be Linde's first stint in the IPL. Although he has made a name in the global franchise circuit, picking up 218 wickets in 250 games at an economy of 7.42 in all T20s. 

Lucknow Super Giants have played three games in IPL 2026 and have won two. They were beaten by Delhi Capitals in their season opener, but came back brilliantly to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in tight run-chases. They will return to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow to host the Gujarat Titans on April 12.