Injuries Shake Up IPL 2025: Teams Make Key Player Changes

The IPL 2025 season faces significant challenges as injuries impact key players across teams. Lucknow Super Giants' Mayank Yadav is out for the season, prompting the signing of William O'Rourke. Similarly, Punjab Kings lose Lockie Ferguson, replaced by Kyle Jamieson. The Gujarat Titans secure Kusal Mendis to fill in for Jos Buttler, who departs for international duty. As the league resumes on May 17, fans are eager to see how these changes will affect the competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 16:20 IST

Injury Woes for IPL Teams

It's a tough break for Lucknow Super Giants fans as Mayank Yadav is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a troublesome back injury. The bowler managed to participate in just two matches, claiming a couple of wickets but with a disappointing economy rate of 12.50. This certainly wasn't the comeback he had hoped for. In response, the team's management swiftly signed New Zealand's William O'Rourke for ₹3 crore, as announced in a formal press release on May 15.

Lucknow isn't the only team facing challenges; the Punjab Kings are also struggling with injuries. Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out, leading to the acquisition of Kyle Jamieson as his replacement for ₹2 crore. Ferguson's hamstring injury limited him to just two deliveries against SRH, marking a frustrating turn of events. Despite playing four matches and taking five wickets, his absence will be felt. It seems like the IPL 2025 season is rife with injury misfortunes.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans have brought in Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis to fill in for Jos Buttler, who is set to leave after the league stage due to a directive from the England and Wales Cricket Board for an upcoming series against the West Indies starting May 29.

Buttler is expected to play his final match for the Titans against the Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on May 25, while Mendis joins the team for ₹75 lakh.

After a nine-day hiatus, IPL 2025 will resume on Saturday, May 17, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The league phase will conclude on May 27, leading up to the final scheduled for June 3.