Shardul Thakur is set to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan ahead of IPL 2025. Thakur, who remained unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, has been training with the LSG squad in Visakhapatnam, where they are preparing for their opening match against Delhi Capitals on March 24.
Mohsin Khan sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 31. Although he recently joined the LSG camp in Lucknow, he did not travel with the team to Visakhapatnam due to his injury.
Thakur, an experienced fast-bowling all-rounder, has previously played for franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. In his IPL career, he has taken 94 wickets in 95 matches at an average of 30.52 and an economy rate of 9.23, with his best bowling figures being 4/36.
LSG has been facing multiple injury concerns in their pace department. Apart from Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also unavailable, as they are undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. While Mayank is recovering from a lower-back stress injury, Avesh is dealing with workload-related issues in his right knee.
Thakur’s inclusion is expected to strengthen LSG’s bowling attack as they cope with these injury setbacks before the IPL 2025 season.
