Wave of Player Replacements Hits IPL Ahead of Playoffs

Ahead of the IPL playoffs, three franchises — Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Lucknow Super Giants — have announced key player changes.

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. In his place, Punjab Kings have signed fellow Kiwi right-arm pacer Kyle Jamieson, who joins the team for INR 2 crore.

Gujarat Titans’ English batter Jos Buttler is set to leave the IPL after May 25 to fulfill national team duties. In his place, Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis will join the squad from May 26. Mendis has been signed for INR 75 lakh.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants have replaced injured pacer Mayank Yadav with New Zealand’s William O’Rourke. Yadav has been ruled out of the remaining matches due to a back injury. O’Rourke has been acquired at a reserve price of INR 3 crore.