Lucknow Super Giants decided to move on from unavailable Wanindu Hasaranga and sign his replacement amid their IPL 2026 campaign. The spin all-rounder didn't arrive in India after failing to obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Sri Lanka Cricket.

Hasaranga was signed by LSG at his base price of INR 2 crore in the December auction last year. However, the former World No. 1 T20I bowler suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup campaign in February and failed to recover in time for the IPL 2026. Initially, he was tipped to pass the fitness tests and get an NOC from the Sri Lankan cricket board, but the LSG management ran out of patience.

During Lucknow's recent game against Kolkata at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 9, the team's director of cricket, Tom Moody, confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga will not join the team and that his replacement will be signed within the next 24-48 hours.

"We are preparing for the fact that Hasaranga isn't going to be able to join us," Moody said. "We are looking at replacements that should be announced in 24-48 hours."

George Linde to replace Wanindu Hasaranga at LSG

After Lucknow's thrilling last-ball win over Kolkata, ESPNcricinfo confirmed that LSG have picked George Linde as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement. The South African spin all-rounder will be in contention to make his IPL debut after going unsold in the December auction.

The 34-year-old Linde boasts 2746 runs and 218 wickets in 250 T20 innings. He has been regular in other franchise league tournaments and plays for Mumbai Indians' sister teams in the SA20 and MLC.

Linde is expected to be announced officially on Friday or Saturday, but is unlikely to make the playing XI for LSG's next game against SRH in Lucknow on Sunday, April 12. However, the veteran all-rounder could play LSG's next away game against RCB in Bengaluru on April 15.

Lucknow utilized just three overseas players - Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran - in their last two games. With Josh Inglis unavailable and South African players Matthew Breetzke and Anrich Nortje not finding a place in playing XIs, George Linde is expected to feature regularly in LSG's starting eleven in IPL 2026.

Also read: Mukul Choudhary holds nerve to rescue LSG in last-ball finish against KKR