IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants sign New Zealand quick as replacement for Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav again ruled out owning a back injury from the remainder of IPL 2025. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) cashed in INR 3 crores to bring New Zealand international Will O'Rourke as his replacement.

Before ruling out of the tournament, Yadav was able to play only 2 matches for him. Due to injury concerns, the Indian pace sensation missed the entire initial half of the league, and after making a comeback against Punjab Kings, he took a couple of wickets in exchange for 40 matches.

In the following match, Yadav's performance was below average, spending a whopping 60 runs in his 4-over limit without taking any scalp. That was one of the most expensive bowling figures as an LSG bowler. Overall, the 22-year-old has played only two games, picking up two wickets at an expensive economy rate of 12.50.

Fast and Furious! Kiwi pacer Will O’Rourke joins the Super Giants family! 💙

He replaces Mayank Yadav who is set to miss the rest of the season due to injury. pic.twitter.com/Gq8YKY8oTs

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 15, 2025

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A series of injuries for Mayank Yadav 

Before the IPL 2025, Mayank was going through a recovery session at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence and then joined the LSG camp on April 16. After sustaining a back injury, his recovery was further detailed for a toe injury. Even in the 2024 edition of the IPL, he participated only in four contests and then was ruled out due to a side strain. 

"Lucknow Super Giants have roped in New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke as an injury replacement for Mayank Yadav. Yadav sustained a back injury and is ruled out for the remainder of the season. William O'Rourke will join the squad at a reserve price of 3 crore," the IPL said in a statement.