Mayank Yadav ruled out of IPL 2025 with another back injury
O'Rourke replaces him at LSG while Jamieson replaces the injured Ferguson at PBKS
ESPNcricinfo staff
15-May-2025 • 5 hrs ago
Mayank Yadav played just two games in IPL 2025 • BCCI
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav has sustained another back injury and is out of the last leg of IPL 2025. LSG have roped in New Zealand quick Will O'Rourke at INR 3 crore in his place.
Mayank was one of the three players LSG retained ahead of the mega auction. Returning to competitive cricket for the first time since October 2024, Mayank played only two matches in IPL 2025 - against Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings (PBKS) - before the tournament was suspended because of cross-border tension between India and Pakistan. His high pace - a quality that impressed selectors - and accuracy earned him a special fast bowler's central contract last year.
Soon he picked up a back injury that made him miss the 2024-25 domestic season after his international debut. He was recovering at BCCI's Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru. But his return was pushed back after he stubbed his toe against his bed leading to an infection. Upon his return, he was a much slower bowler, clocking speeds in the high-130 kphs and occasionally breaching the 140kph mark.
After Mayank's first match upon return, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan said they were in "constant dialogue with the NCA" and followed the regimen that was given to him.
The IPL stint with LSG will be O'Rourke's first experience in the T20 franchise circuit. He has five wickets in five T20Is for New Zealand after his debut against Pakistan last year. Overall, he is capped ten times in Tests and 17 times in ODIs apart from his five T20I appearances.
Jamieson replaces Ferguson at PBKS
New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson replaced fellow countryman Lockie Ferguson at PBKS for the rest of IPL 2025. Ferguson played four matches for PBKS this season and picked up five wickets. He hobbled off after bowling two balls in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad in April following which, PBKS fast-bowling coach James Hopes said Ferguson is "out indefinitely".
PBKS will be Jamieson's second IPL team after he played for RCB in 2021. He was part of Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025 but played in just two of their nine games. Jamieson joined PBKS for INR 2 crore.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will leave for England duties at the end of the league stage. Mendis has joined GT for INR 75 lakh and will be eligible to play the playoffs.