Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) announced on Sunday that they have signed Shardul Thakur in preparation for their IPL 2025 opener against Delhi Capitals, scheduled for Monday, March 24, in Visakhapatnam. Thakur steps in as a replacement for left-arm fast bowler Mohsin Khan, who is sidelined for the entire 18th season due to an injury.

Mohsin suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee at the end of December during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although he participated in the pre-season camp, he was ultimately ruled out of IPL 2025 on Sunday.

According to the IPL announcement, "The seasoned all-rounder has been acquired from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at his reserve price of INR 2 crore. With a solid track record in all three formats for India, he adds significant IPL experience, having played 95 matches for five different franchises."

Thakur played for CSK last season but was let go by the team before the mega auction last November after a disappointing season where he took wickets in nine matches and managed just 21 runs. In Jeddah, the Mumbai player received no bids, not even from his former teams. He was brought back on Day 2 of the auction but remained unsold once more.

Shardul Thakur has decided to pause his County contract

After a standout performance in this season's Ranji Trophy, where he amassed 505 runs and took 35 wickets across nine matches, contributing to Mumbai's championship victory, discussions have emerged about Thakur potentially being selected for the England Test tour. In light of this, the 33-year-old has signed with Essex to participate in county cricket.

Nonetheless, a recent report from ESPNCricinfo revealed that Thakur had already informed Essex of his willingness to accept an offer if any IPL team required a replacement player.

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