Lucknow Super Giants have turned to George Linde after Wanindu Hasaranga’s campaign ended before it started. The South African all-rounder, uncapped in the IPL, has signed for his base price of INR 1 crore and will link up with the squad ahead of Sunday’s home match against Gujarat Titans.
Linde, 30, offers left-arm spin, a clean swing of the bat and, according to head coach Justin Langer, “the sort of versatility that keeps a side balanced”. His international record reads three Tests, four ODIs and 37 T20Is, but it is the weight of domestic work that clearly appealed to Lucknow. In 250 short-format games he owns 218 wickets at 7.42 runs an over and 2746 runs struck at 136.68 – numbers good enough to suggest a role at No. 8, perhaps even higher if conditions suit.
“I’ve played in leagues around the world but everyone talks about the IPL,” Linde said in a brief statement released by the franchise on Friday. “It’ll be new, a bit nerve-racking, yet hugely exciting.”
Hasaranga, bought for INR 2 crore, tore his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s opening fixture at February’s T20 World Cup and never managed to check in with Lucknow. The franchise waited on medical advice before confirming his withdrawal earlier this week. “We’re gutted for Wani,” captain KL Rahul noted, “yet we had to move quickly and George was top of our list.”
Lucknow began the season with defeat to Delhi Capitals but have since edged two tight contests, lifting them to fifth. A consistent finisher remains a priority and Linde’s arrival should ease the load on Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran at the death.
The Titans, however, arrive fresh from a confidence-boosting win of their own and with their seam attack in rhythm. Sunday afternoon in Lucknow, therefore, offers Linde an immediate test and an early chance to justify the faith – and the fee – invested in him.
