Cricket News, IPL 2026, George Linde, Cricket Updates
George Linde has been signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The South African allrounder, known for his left-arm spin and lower-order hitting, joins the franchise at his base price of INR 1 crore. This will mark Linde’s maiden appearance in the Indian Premier League, adding a new dimension to LSG’s squad composition.
Linde brings considerable experience in the T20 format, having played 37 T20 Internationals alongside appearances in three Tests and four ODIs for South Africa. Over the course of his T20 career, he has featured in 250 matches, claiming 218 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42. With the bat, he has scored 2,746 runs at a strike rate of 136.68, making him a valuable utility player.
In the past year, Linde has been active across multiple global T20 leagues, including SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the Pakistan Super League, showcasing his versatility in different conditions. At LSG, he is expected to strengthen the lower order, likely providing depth around the No. 8 position.
Hasaranga, who was earlier signed by LSG for INR 2 crore, was ruled out after suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the T20 World Cup in February. The injury prevented him from joining the squad for the ongoing season.
LSG began their campaign with a defeat against Delhi Capitals but bounced back with two narrow victories, moving up to fifth place on the points table. They are set to face Gujarat Titans in their next match on Sunday in Lucknow.
The inclusion of Linde is expected to bolster LSG’s balance as they aim to build momentum in the tournament.
