IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Sign Former CSK & KKR Star Shardul Thakur as Replacement for Injured Mohsin Khan
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced the signing of former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Shardul Thakur as a replacement for injured pacer Mohsin Khan ahead of their IPL 2025 season opener.
After remaining unsold in the IPL auction, the seam-bowling all-rounder is making his return to the league with LSG. Under the leadership of new captain Rishabh Pant, LSG will kick off their campaign against Delhi Capitals on Monday (March 24).
LSG Sign Shardul Thakur to Bolster Pace Attack
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the 33-year-old Thakur has already joined the LSG squad in Visakhapatnam. His inclusion comes at a crucial time, as LSG is facing a shortage of pacers, with Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep also dealing with injury concerns.
“The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have named Shardul Thakur as a replacement for left-arm fast bowler Mohsin Khan, who has been ruled out of the 18th season of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury,” IPL stated in an official release.
“Thakur, an experienced all-rounder, has been signed from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at his base price of INR 2 crore. A proven performer across all three formats for India, he brings valuable IPL experience, having played 95 matches for five different franchises.”
Thakur’s IPL Journey & Recent Performance
Thakur recently delivered an impressive Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai, scoring 505 runs and taking 35 wickets in nine matches after recovering from foot surgery. He had also signed with Essex for county cricket but had kept the door open for an IPL comeback if any team required a replacement player.
The all-rounder has been a part of two IPL-winning campaigns with CSK and has previously played for KKR, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings since making his IPL debut in 2015.
Overall, in 95 IPL matches, Thakur has taken 94 wickets at an economy rate of 9.23. He has also showcased his batting skills, including a quickfire fifty for KKR in IPL 2023.
Mohsin Khan’s Injury & Road to Recovery
Mohsin Khan sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December. However, he has joined the LSG camp and is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the franchise’s support staff to plan his recovery.
With Thakur’s experience and all-round abilities, LSG will be hoping to strengthen their squad as they aim for a successful IPL 2025 campaign.
