Fast & Furious Kiwi Sensation Will O’Rourke Joins Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants have roped in New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke as a replacement for the injured Mayank Yadav for the remainder of IPL 2025. The 22-year-old Kiwi has been signed for Rs. 3 crores.

Will O’Rourke to replace Mayank Yadav 

Mayank’s season has come to a premature end due to a back injury. It’s been a frustrating campaign for the young speedster, who had already missed a chunk of the season recovering from toe and back issues at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. He managed just two appearances for LSG this season, picking up a couple of wickets but leaking runs at an economy rate of 12.50. It’s another injury setback for Mayank, who was already on the sidelines for most of the 2024 domestic season. But despite the constant battles with fitness, he had done enough to catch the selectors' attention last year, earning his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh in October 2024. 

Meanwhile, O’Rourke now has a golden chance to make an impression on the IPL stage. LSG, currently seventh on the table with 10 points from 11 matches, have their backs against the wall and need to win all three of their remaining league games to stay in the playoff hunt. Their upcoming clashes are against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Elsewhere, Punjab Kings have also been forced into a change, with Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury in an earlier match against SRH. PBKS have turned to another New Zealand quick – Kyle Jamieson. The tall fast bowler, who was snapped up for Rs. 2 crores, returns to the IPL after previously representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With playoff races heating up and injuries throwing teams into flux, both O’Rourke and Jamieson will be eager to make the most of these late-season opportunities. 

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