Shardul Thakur replaces pace sensation at LSG for IPL 2025 as franchise left in panic mode

Team India all-rounder Shardul Thakur is reportedly set to be added to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Shardul, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, has been with the Lucknow Super Giants during their preparations for the tournament.

Shardul Thakur, who had a base price of ₹2 crore, went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He has played for multiple franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings.

The right-arm pacer featured in nine matches for CSK in the 2024 season, taking five wickets. He failed to make a significant impact, which may have contributed to his exclusion. No team bid for him, even in the accelerated auction, but he could still participate in IPL 2025 if added as an injury replacement.

Shardul Thakur Set to Replace Injured Mohsin Khan for IPL 2025

According to a report by the Times of India, Shardul Thakur is set to join Lucknow Super Giants as an injury replacement for Mohsin Khan in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.

LSG are yet to make an official announcement, but the report added that Shardul has already been informed of the decision. He is expected to travel with the squad to Visakhapatnam for their season opener against Delhi Capitals (DC).

"The official announcement is yet to be made but it's learnt that Thakur has been informed about the decision and will be travelling with the side to Visakhapatnam for their season opener vs Delhi Capitals," the report read.

India-Heavy Pace Attack Yet to Join Lucknow Super Giants

Mohsin Khan suffered an ACL injury that kept him out of action for the past three months. The left-arm pacer resumed bowling in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) nets but picked up a calf strain, further delaying his return.

Other LSG pacers are still recovering at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), forcing the team management to bring in an injury replacement. Their pace attack, including Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, are yet to join the squad.

Akash Deep and Mayank are at the CoE, while Avesh is still recovering from a knee injury. Mayank has started bowling at a reduced intensity but is not yet match-fit. The Rishabh Pant-led team will play their first match at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday, March 24.

It Will Not Be Right to Say Anything About This - Zaheer Khan

The Lucknow Super Giants management has not provided details about their injured seamers. However, team mentor Zaheer Khan stated that the team would focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks, adding that the situation would remain dynamic throughout the season.

"The situation is dynamic for some of our players due to injuries. But it’s time that we look for positives and adopt things to tackle the situation amicably. Some players are at the National Cricket Academy and others are spending time with their physios. Right now, it will not be right to say anything about this. The situation will be dynamic this season,” Zaheer said in a media interaction.

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