George Linde Set to Replace Injured Wanindu Hasaranga at Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are making a key adjustment to their squad ahead of IPL 2026, with South African left-arm spinner George Linde stepping in as the replacement for Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover sufficiently from a hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. The decision to move on from the star player was formalized on Friday, April 10, following reports from Cricbuzz about the impending change.

LSG's Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, confirmed the development during the franchise's match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 9. "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," Moody stated.

The franchise had shortlisted other overseas spinners, including Afghanistan's Mujeeb ur Rahman and England's Liam Dawson, before selecting the 34-year-old Linde. This marks Linde's debut appearance in the IPL. With an impressive T20I record for South Africa—37 matches, 35 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58, and 403 runs scored at a strike rate of 147.61—Linde brings valuable experience to the team.

Linde will join LSG at his reserve price of INR 1 crore, bolstering their spin bowling options for the upcoming season.