IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur joins Lucknow Super Giants

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has made the headlines just ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The 18th edition of the cash-rich league is all set to start on Saturday (22nd March) with the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Shardul Thakur, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, is expected to play in the league although there's no official confirmation. This is because the all-rounder was spotted in the Lucknow Super Giants camp ahead of the league and was training with the franchise.

IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur to LSG confirmed? Pacer trains with franchise amid injury issues

Thakur was seen wearing a Lucknow Super Giants training kit and was also seen bowling. The fast bowler played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last year but wasn't retained by the franchise as he managed just 5 wickets in the 9 games that he played at an average of over 61 in IPL 2024.

Shardul Thakur potentially would've been called by the Lucknow Super Giants management due to the injury concerns related to their three main pacers in Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan. The franchise is awaiting fitness clearance for the trio who are currently at the NCA.

Shardul Thakur bowling in LSG camp pic.twitter.com/FxuYoX3G3B

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) March 15, 2025

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SHARDUL THAKUR IN LSG PRACTICE KIT. pic.twitter.com/FbXuRPOkVO

— AYUSH JINDAL (@AYUSHJI65302777) March 15, 2025

Lucknow Super Giants are mulling over the fitness of Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan

Mayank Yadav has been struggling with back issues as suffered back stress during the T20I series against Bangladesh in October 2024. Avesh Khan copped knee cartilage injury, while Mohsin Khan also faced an unknown injury in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.

All three pacers are not expected to be fully fit by the time the IPL 2025. Hence, it can be suspected that Shardul Thakur has been added to the team as a cover. If he gets included in the squad for the tournament, then it might well be a game-changing move for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Thakur has been in the rich vein of form for the last few months

This is because Shardul Thakur has been in the rich vein of form for the last few months. The all-rounder played a vital role for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as he picked 33 wickets at 19.96 and scored 402 runs in eight matches, stepping up for the team in pressure situations.

Thakur also has a decent record in the IPL. The pacer has taken 94 wickets at an average of 30.52 and also has been handy with the bat. Batting down the order, he has slammed 307 runs in 37 innings at a staggering strike rate of 138.91.

Coming to Lucknow Super Giants, the franchise will be captained by Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025. They will open their campaign against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam on March 24.

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