IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur replaces injured Mohsin Khan at LSG
What's the story
Shardul Thakur has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan.
The franchise confirmed the same on March 23.
Although Thakur went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, he is currently training with LSG in Visakhapatnam, where Rishabh Pant's team will open their season against Delhi Capitals on March 24.
The fast-bowling all-rounder was earlier seen training in the LSG gear. He even celebrated Holi with the franchise's players.
Injury impact
Mohsin Khan's injury paves way for Thakur
Mohsin Khan, who represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, suffered an ACL tear in his right knee on December 31 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Although he recently joined the LSG camp in Lucknow, he did not travel with the team to Visakhapatnam due to the injury.
The setback comes after Mohsin recovered from a career-threatening shoulder injury post IPL 2022 and played the entire 2024 season.
Career shift
Thakur's journey from Essex to IPL
Both Thakur and Shivam Mavi have been training with LSG since the franchise started its main preparatory camp in Lucknow.
Despite their previous experience with other IPL franchises, they went unsold in the auction.
After a successful domestic season with Mumbai post foot surgery, Thakur signed as an overseas player for Essex to play county cricket.
He had already told Essex about his willingness to join any IPL franchise needing a replacement player.
Injury woes
LSG grapples with injuries ahead of IPL 2025
LSG are already in a tough spot as none of their four first-choice Indian fast bowlers are fit.
Apart from Mohsin, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also unavailable.
All these players are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
While Mayank is recovering from a lower-back stress injury, Avesh is dealing with workload-related issues in his right knee.
Career
Thakur's IPL journey and recent performances
Thakur has represented Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the past.
In the IPL, he has picked 94 wickets in 95 matches at 30.52 with an economy of 9.23.
His best was 4/36. He was a part of CSK in IPL 2024 but was released ahead of the mega-auction. Meanwhile, he bagged five wickets in nine matches during the 2024 edition.
Thakur also owns an IPL fifty.