George Linde is a South African all-rounder, who has performed exceptionally well in the shortest format of the game. The 29-year-old all-rounder bowls left-arm spin and bats left-handed. So far in his career, Linde has been a part of South Africa, Cape Cobras, Western Province and Pretoria University teams.
The Cape Town-born player has played 97 T20 matches in his career, amassing 894 runs at an average of 17.19. He generally bats in the lower middle-order, and his strike rate with the bat in the shortest format of the game has been 139.68. Linde’s highest score in T20s is 52*.
Speaking of his numbers in the bowling unit, George Linde has scalped 100 wickets in 97 T20 matches. The southpaw has bowled in 93 T20 innings, conceding runs at an economy rate of 7.31 runs per over. His best figures are 4/19. At the international level, Linde has played 11 T20Is, taking ten wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.
Since he is a wicket-taking spin bowler and a handy batting, the IPL teams may keep an eye on him before the 2021 season resumes. The conditions in the UAE will help the spin bowlers, so here are the five IPL teams that can target George Linde as a replacement option.
5. Kolkata Knight Riders can sign George Linde if Shakib Al Hasan does not play
Bangladeshi cricketers are unlikely to be a part of the second phase of IPL 2021. This means KKR’s Shakib Al Hasan could also miss the tournament.
Shakib is a left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman like George Linde. So, KKR can target the South African all-rounder as a replacement for Shakib.
4. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians showed faith in South African youngster Marco Jansen’s talent. They can back another South African rising star in IPL 2021.
George Linde could be that star because Krunal Pandya of MI did not perform his best in the first phase. He could be a decent back-up option for Pandya.
3. Rajasthan Royals can target George Linde as a replacement
Rajasthan Royals is another franchise that has trusted the South African stars. They had signed Gerald Coetzee and Rassie van der Dussen as replacements.
Players from England are not expected to be a part of the second phase of IPL 2021. In that scenario, George Linde could emerge as a replacement pick for the Royals.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad
According to India TV News, Afghanistan players might miss the second phase of IPL 2021. The reason behind it is their series against Pakistan.
If Afghanistan Cricket Board picks its ‘A’ team for the series, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi may not play IPL 2021. Hence, SRH will need replacements and George Linde could be an option for them.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore performed brilliantly in the first phase of IPL 2021. After their seven games in IPL, RCB had attained a place in the upper half of the standings.
However, RCB’s two Australian stars Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson decided to opt out of the tournament. There is no clarity if they will return to the tourney. RCB had signed Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for Richardson, and George Linde could be a good choice if they consider replacing Zampa.
