The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have brought in experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur as a replacement for the injured left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan ahead of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mohsin, a promising fast bowler, has been ruled out due to a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December. Although he joined the LSG camp for rehabilitation, his return remains uncertain.

Consequently, LSG has secured Shardul Thakur from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) for his reserve price of INR 2 crore. Thakur, a seasoned campaigner, has featured in 95 IPL matches for five different franchises—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant.

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He has picked up 67 wickets in the league with an economy rate of 8.89. Despite going unsold in the mega auction last year, Thakur has remained active in domestic cricket. He impressed during the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, amassing 505 runs and scalping 35 wickets in just nine matches after recovering from a foot surgery.

Headlines don’t matter, The Lord does 🫶

Shardul is home 💙 pic.twitter.com/nd6ouD3otX

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 23, 2025

Interestingly, Thakur had initially signed with Essex for county cricket but had informed them of his potential IPL commitments. When the opportunity with LSG emerged, he promptly took it up. The 33-year-old is already training with the LSG squad in Visakhapatnam, gearing up for their season opener against the Delhi Capitals on March 24.

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For LSG, the addition of Thakur brings depth and versatility. His ability to bowl in pressure situations and contribute valuable lower-order runs makes him a crucial asset. As LSG aims to make a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign, Shardul Thakur’s experience could prove to be the game-changer they need.