![Mayank Yadav 3 potential replacement [Source: @iplt20.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741679021839_3REPLACEMENTSFORMayankYadav.jpg?type=mq)
Mayank Yadav 3 potential replacement [Source: @iplt20.com]
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a massive injury jolt in the form of their tearaway pacer, Mayank Yadav. The breakout star of last season is reportedly set to miss the first half of the IPL 2025 due to a back injury and this could be a game-breaking moment for his franchise.
The fast bowler's IPL journey was also hampered last year as he was sidelined for the majority of the season, and the same could happen this time. Back injuries are difficult to recover from and Mayank could potentially miss out on playing the entire season. If he is isn't available for LSG, here are 3 potential replacement for the star pacer.
1) Will O'Rourke (New Zealand)
O'Rourke T20 stats
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 36 |
| Dismissals | 36 |
| Economy | 7.84 |
The Kiwi pacer was one of the breakout stars of the New Zealand team but surprisingly, he went unsold in the mega auction. LSG had two overseas slot left after the auction and they could potentially go after the Kiwi star.
He has impeccable control over his lines and lengths and LSG do need a quality new ball bowler at the top. In 36 T20 matches, O'Rourke has 36 wickets, but has an economy rate of just 7.84, which is impressive considering the fact that he plays on smaller ground in New Zealand.
2) Shivam Mavi
Mavi IPL career at a glance
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 32 |
| Dismissals | 30 |
| Economy rate | 8.71 |
A former player of the LSG, Shivam Mavi's IPL career was marred with injuries, but on his day, the fast bowler is one of the best in the business and is a genuine wicket-taker across different phases of the game.
His LSG stint was hampered because of an injury, but Mavi worked tirelessly on his fitness and is back to his best. If the franchise wants a like-to-like replacement for Mayank, Mavi is a solid option. His base price was 75 lakh, but the pacer went unsold in the mega auction, and perhaps time has come for LSG to show trust in him, incase Mayank fails to recover from his injury.
3) Forgotten star back in the side?
Naveen-ul-haq IPL stats
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 18 |
| Dismissals | 25 |
| Average | 23.64 |
| Economy | 9.16 |
Naveen-ul-Haq was one of the best bowlers for the LSG team in the last few seasons, but he wasn't retained by the franchise ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. The Afghan pacer relished his time with the franchise, and even though he doesn't have the pace like Mayank Yadav, the seamer certainly has the skills and a brilliant slower ball to trouble the best in the business.
His IPL stats speaks for his brilliance. In 18 matches, Naveen has picked up 25 wickets, at an average of 23. The economy is slightly higher at 9 runs per over, but that you expect since he bowls majority of his overs in the death.
.jpg?type=mq "Varun Chakravarthy shuts down Abrar Ahmed")
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
