George Linde joins LSG as replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finally announced the replacement for Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of IPL 2026. While it is a big blow for the franchise to miss the Lankan all-rounder, the franchise has named South African all-rounder George Linde as the replacement player. 

Rishabh Pant-led LSG have managed a positive start in the IPL 2026. After losing their season opener against Delhi Capitals by six wickets, LSG claimed back-to-back thrilling victories against the hosts SunRisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Now, LSG have added the 34-year-old South African all-rounder George Linde in the squad as an overseas replacement. He remained unsold in the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of INR 1 crore, while he is set to join LSG for INR 1 crore.  

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How was Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of IPL 2026?

The 28-year-old Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga was picked by LSG during the IPL 2026 auction for INR 2 crore. However, during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Hasaranga was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during the group stage match against Ireland. 

Later, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) clarified that the players can earn NOC for the IPL and PSL only after passing the fitness test. While several players have earned the NOC, Hasaranga has failed to achieve it. So, the Lankan all-rounder is set to miss the remainder of the IPL 2026. 

George Linde T20 career 

The 34-year-old South African all-rounder George Linder has played three Tests, four ODIs, and 37 T20Is. He has already played 250 T20 matches, where the left-handed batter has scored 2746 runs with an average of 19.47 and a strike rate of 136.68, including four half-centuries with the best knock of 66 not out. Also, the left-arm spinner has picked up 218 T20 wickets. 

Although he hasn't made his IPL debut yet, he is an experienced T20 league cricketer, who has featured in SA20, PSL, CPL, Mzansi Super League, BPL, Vitality Blast, MLC, and Men's 100. In the SA20, he has served for MI Cape Town, where he has scored 432 runs in 28 innings with an average of 20.57 and a strike rate of 140.25, including one half-century. Also, he has taken 32 wickets in the SA20 career.