Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed Shardul Thakur as a replacement for injured pacer Mohsin Khan ahead of IPL 2025. Thakur, who went unsold in the auction, has been with the LSG squad in Visakhapatnam, where the Rishabh Pant-led side begins its campaign against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24.
An official IPL statement confirmed that Thakur was picked from the “registered available player pool” for his base price of ₹2 crore. The experienced pacer has played 95 IPL matches, representing five franchises—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rising Pune Supergiant—taking 67 wickets at an economy of 8.89.
Mohsin’s Injury Setback
Mohsin, who plays domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 31. Though he recently joined LSG’s camp in Lucknow, he did not travel with the squad to Visakhapatnam.
This injury is another setback for the young pacer, who had previously overcome a career-threatening shoulder injury after IPL 2022. He played the full IPL 2024 season but is now undergoing rehab, working with LSG’s support staff to map out his recovery.
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LSG’s Fast Bowling Crisis
LSG find themselves in a tough spot, with all four of their first-choice Indian fast bowlers currently unavailable. Along with Mohsin, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also recovering from injuries at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
- Mayank Yadav is rehabbing a lower-back stress injury.
- Avesh Khan is dealing with knee niggles but could return in a week if he clears fitness tests.
- Akash Deep, who last played for India in the fourth Test against Australia, is recovering from a lower-back stress injury.
Thakur’s Return to IPL
Thakur and Shivam Mavi have been training with LSG since the franchise’s preparatory camp in Lucknow, after both went unsold at the auction. Following a successful domestic season with Mumbai post-foot surgery, Thakur had signed with Essex for county cricket. However, he had kept himself available in case an IPL team required a replacement, and LSG made the call.
With multiple injuries in the squad, Thakur’s experience will be crucial as LSG looks to navigate their early-season challenges.
