Shardul Thakur is set to step in for the injured Mohsin Khan at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. With Mayank Yadav still on the recovery path following an injury sustained during the Bangladesh T20Is last year, LSG’s pace department has seen a major shakeup.
Thakur, a seasoned campaigner in the IPL and international cricket, has already been training with the squad and is now confirmed to fill the void left by Mohsin’s absence. According to a report from The Times of India, Thakur has been officially informed of his role and will join the team in Vishakhapatnam for their season opener against the Delhi Capitals.
The decision to rope in Thakur comes as a strategic move by LSG, given the uncertainty surrounding the availability of their primary pacers. Mohsin Khan’s unfortunate ACL injury in December, followed by a calf strain, has kept him off the field. Despite his efforts to regain fitness, the left-arm pacer remains sidelined.
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Adding to LSG’s concerns, their pace arsenal, including Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, is still in recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. While Akash Deep and Mayank are gradually rebuilding strength, Avesh Khan is yet to fully recover from a knee injury.
🚨 THAKUR TO LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS 🚨
– Shardul Thakur is likely to replace Mohsin Khan in LSG squad for IPL 2025. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/jfWYV7KUBW
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2025
Mayank Yadav’s struggle with recurring injuries — from side strains to back issues — has further complicated his return to full fitness. Although he has started bowling at a reduced intensity, the road to playing competitive cricket still appears long. Even if he is cleared to rejoin the squad, his availability for the entire season remains doubtful.
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LSG’s mentor, Zaheer Khan, acknowledged the team’s predicament, emphasizing the need to stay optimistic and adapt to the circumstances. “Some players are at the National Cricket Academy, while others are working closely with their physios,” Zaheer shared.
In the absence of their core pacers, Thakur’s experience will be pivotal for LSG’s pace attack. As the most seasoned bowler in the squad, his ability to deliver under pressure could play a crucial role in stabilizing the team’s bowling unit.
