IPL 2025: Is Mayank Yadav Out? Who's Replacing Jos Buttler?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mayank Yadav is out for the season due to a back injury.
- New Zealand's Will O’Rourke replaces him in LSG.
- Jos Buttler will miss playoffs for Gujarat Titans.
- Kusal Mendis joins GT, making his IPL debut.
- Injuries are reshaping team dynamics as playoffs approach.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) As the climax of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 nears, teams are compelled to make swift adjustments due to the absence of international players caused by various factors, including injuries. Express bowler Mayank Yadav has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a back injury, prompting the Lucknow Super Giants to seek a replacement.
The 22-year-old, who shone in IPL 2024 with his impressive speed and notable performances, has faced persistent fitness issues since then.
After making a highly anticipated return this season, Yadav participated in only two matches before succumbing to injury again. “Yadav sustained a back injury and is ruled out for the remainder of the season,” stated an official release from the IPL.
Currently battling for a chance in the league stage, LSG has signed New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke as Yadav’s substitute. The 22-year-old Kiwi, recognized for his bounce and accuracy, has been acquired at a reserve price of ₹3 crore.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings, still vying for a playoff position, have brought in Kyle Jamieson to take the place of fellow New Zealander Lockie Ferguson, who is also out due to injury. Jamieson, a versatile seam-bowling all-rounder, joins the Shreyas Iyer-led squad for ₹2 crore.
In another significant update impacting the top of the standings, Jos Buttler will be missing from the Gujarat Titans during the playoffs. Buttler has been selected by England for their upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, starting on May 29 — the same day the IPL playoffs commence.
To address this gap, GT has signed Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who is set to make his IPL debut.
Mendis, who had been competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) until earlier this month, played for the Quetta Gladiators, scoring 143 runs with a striking rate of 168 in five matches. He is now shifting his focus to India after opting out of the remaining PSL games due to security concerns.