The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have hit a huge speed bump in the crucial final leg of the IPL 2025 season as fast bowler Mayank Yadav is sidelined with a recurring injury to his lower back. New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke has been signed as his replacement for INR 3 crore, his first stint in the T20 franchise circuit.
Yadav was one of the three players retained by LSG prior to the 2025 mega auction, and was returning from a lengthy injury layoff following complications from a lower back injury. The 21-year-old speedster was awarded a special fast-bowling contract by the BCCI after gaining a reputation for extreme pace and a few accomplished performance in National cricket, as well as his international debut in 2024. But he hasn’t found a happy destination on his return from injury so far in the IPL 2025 season.
He had played only two matches this season – into this LSG were positioned to be the front-runners for the IPL 2025 playoffs with seven wins from ten matches – vs. the Mumbai Indian, as well as the Punjab Kings – but he struggled for rhythm and pace, while leaking 60 runs in his four overs against PBKS. His speed had only dipped into the high-130s, whereas it had tracked into the high-140s and his comeback from injury had just rounded into some progress. Unfortunately, after recurrent complications in his lower back decided to rule him out for the remainder of the tournament.
LSG mentor Zaheer Khan said before the auction that they were in “constant conversation” with the National Cricket Academy (now BCCI Centre of Excellence) about Mayank’s rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he sustained a freak accident when he stubbed his toe on a bed that caused an infection that required his recovery timeline to be prolonged.
In his stead, LSG have brought in Will O’Rourke, a promising New Zealand quick who made his T20I debut against Pakistan in 2024 and has played five T20Is, 10 Tests, and 17 ODIs before. This will be his first appearance in any T20 franchise league.
Jamieson Replaces the Injured Ferguson at PBKS
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also making a change in their pace department, signing New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson for INR 2 crore to replace another New Zealander, Lockie Ferguson, who has been ruled out indefinitely due to injury sustained in April against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ferguson managed to play four matches this season, taking five wickets before limping off the field early in his last match.
Jamieson played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2021 and was with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year, but played only two matches. A few months later, he is back in the IPL with PBKS, providing them with some height and bounce to their bowling attack.
GT picks up Kusal Mendis for playoff run
In other news, the Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis to replace Jos Buttler, who will leave for England duties after the league stage. Mendis is joining GT for INR 75 lakh and will be available for the playoffs.
The end of IPL 2025 is nearing after a mid-season suspension of the tournament over geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan and these squad changes may be crucial in the title fight.
