IPL 2025: Former CSK player likely to join Lucknow Super Giants, Former KKR player also poised to join

With IPL 2025 less than a week away, the teams are deep in preparation. Most of the franchises do have a settled squad, but a few are struggling with injury issues. And one of those has opened up an opportunity for a former CSK player.

Lucknow Super Giants are currently enduring issues in their pace artillery. Several key pacers, including Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan, are dealing with fitness issues and are awaiting clearance from the BCCI. With their opening match against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam fast approaching, the franchise may need reinforcements.

Former CSK player likely to join Lucknow Super Giants

Shardul Thakur may join LSG

Amid this, former KKR all-rounder Shardul Thakur was captured in the LSG training session. Shardul Thakur's exclusion from the IPL 2025 auction was one of the biggest surprises ahead of the season. After Chennai Super Kings released him, the experienced player had no suitors in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

However, Thakur might soon find a new home in the IPL as reports suggest he is set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The 33-year-old was recently seen training with the LSG squad, hinting at a possible late addition.

A viral picture of him bowling in the nets has fueled speculation about his inclusion in the team before the tournament begins.

While going unsold could have been a setback, Thakur has responded with stellar performances in domestic cricket. Representing Mumbai in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he took 35 wickets and also contributed 505 runs, proving his all-round value. His impact continued in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a crucial role in Mumbai's title-winning campaign, picking up 15 wickets in nine games. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he added 10 wickets from seven matches.

Apart from Shardul, Shivam Mavi is also poised to join LSG. The former KKR pacer was seen at the LSG training camp and was also seen singing in a Karaoke with LSG captain Rishabh Pant. He is likely to replace Mohsin Khan ahead of the season.