Ahead of the IPL 2025 restart on May 17, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings have named Will O’Rourke, Kusal Mendis, and Kyle Jamieson as replacements for Mayank Yadav, Jos Buttler, and Lockie Ferguson, respectively.
Mayank, who joined the LSG squad late and missed most of the season due to a back injury, has suffered a recurrence of the issue and will miss the remainder of the tournament. In his place, the franchise has brought in New Zealand pacer- O’Rourke for Rs 3 crore.
O’Rourke set for maiden IPL stint
Like Mayank, O’Rourke is a tall, high-pace bowler who operates with a similar attacking line. This will mark his maiden stint in the IPL. With LSG’s only other overseas pace option being Shamar Joseph—who is yet to feature in a game this season—O’Rourke is a strong contender to make his debut soon.
Mendis likely to start after Buttler’s departure
In a major setback for table-toppers Gujarat Titans, their second-highest run-scorer this season, Jos Buttler, will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament due to national duties. He will depart following GT’s final league-stage game against Chennai Super Kings on May 25. Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been named as his replacement, effective May 26, and has been signed for INR 75 lakh. Like O’Rourke, Mendis will also be making his IPL debut. With GT short on top-order options, Mendis is expected to slot in as soon as he’s available.
Jamieson earns a late call-up
Ferguson, who suffered a hamstring injury while bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad in mid-April, had not been replaced until now. PBKS have now signed fellow Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson as his replacement for INR 2 crore. Jamieson brings IPL experience, having previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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