Lucknow: In a key development ahead of the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Lucknow Super Giants have signed New Zealand’s right-arm fast bowler Will O’Rourke as a replacement for injured Indian pacer Mayank Yadav, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a back injury.
The franchise made the announcement on social media on May 15, welcoming the 22-year-old Kiwi quick with the caption:
“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.”
Mayank Yadav, who had earlier lit up the tournament with his express pace and bounce, picked up two wickets in as many matches this season. After a long injury layoff, the young tearaway made a stunning comeback against the Mumbai Indians, claiming the prized wickets of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya at the Wankhede Stadium. He later featured against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala before succumbing to another injury setback.
Mayank had burst onto the scene in IPL 2024, impressing fans and pundits alike with his fiery spells. He scalped seven wickets in four matches at an average of 12.14 and an impressive economy rate of 6.99, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about young bowlers in the league.
His replacement, William O’Rourke, brings with him a solid international record. The 22-year-old has represented New Zealand in all three formats, collecting 36 wickets in 10 Tests, 22 wickets in 17 ODIs, and five wickets in five T20Is. Known for his disciplined lines and ability to generate bounce, O’Rourke is expected to bolster the Super Giants’ bowling attack as they eye a playoff berth.
O’Rourke has been signed at a reserve price of INR 3 crore and becomes the latest overseas addition to the Super Giants squad.
Meanwhile, the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow side has three league stage matches remaining in IPL 2025:
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May 19: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow
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May 22: vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad
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May 27: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Lucknow
With a playoff spot hanging in the balance, the inclusion of O’Rourke comes at a crucial juncture. The Super Giants will hope the Kiwi speedster can hit the ground running and provide the firepower needed to make a deep run in the tournament.
