- South African replaces Wanindu Hasaranga
- Never played in the IPL
- Hasaranga out with Hamstring injury
Lucknow Super Giants announced today that they have replaced Wanindu Hasaranga with George Linde, who will be available for their next game against Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
Lots of experience
Left-handed batting all-rounder and slow left-arm orthodox spinner Linde has played 250 T20 games with 2746 runs at an strike rate of 136.68, and has taken 218 wickets with an economy rate of 7.42. He has also played 37 times for South Africa, scoring 403 runs and taken 35 wickets.
However, Linde hasn’t played in the IPL before. He was signed by Lucknow at his reserve price of INR 1 crore (£79,903.10).
Success of spinners for LSG
Despite Hasaranga’s absence, LSG’s spinners have put up some impressive performances. Digvesh Rathi and M Siddarth, along with Shahbaz Ahmed currently make up their spin attack.
Linde’s experience will be vital for LSG, as they have started slowly to IPL 2026. LSG lost their first game against Delhi Capitals, but two narrow wins since then have lifted them into fifth on the points table.
Replacement for Hasaranga
Hasaranga was originally signed by Lucknow during the IPL auction, but has been sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained in Sri Lanka’s opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
During LSG’s game with Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, Director of cricket Tom Moody said “We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us. We are looking at replacements, that should be announced in 24-48 hours.”
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