IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Sign Former CSK & KKR Star to Replace Injured Pacer Mohsin Khan

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has announced the siging of former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Shardul Thakur as replacement for injured pacer Mohsin Khan ahead of their IPL 2025 season opener.

After going unsold in the auction, seam bowling all-rounder Thakur is set to return to the IPL with LSG. Under new captain Rishabh Pant, LSG will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on Monday (March 24).

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the 33-year-old Thakur is "currently with the LSG squad in Visakhapatnam". LSG will need Thakur to hit the ground running as they are thin in the pace department with Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Akash Deep also nursing injury issues.

"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 said in a statement.

"Thakur, an experienced all-rounder, has been signed from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at his reserve 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 franchises."

Thakur, who scored 505 runs and snapped 35 wickets in nine matches during the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai following a foot surgery, had signed with Essex to play county cricket. However, the report stated that "Thakur had already alerted Essex that he would take up the offer if any IPL franchise needed a replacement player".

Shardul also brings in wealth of IPL experience, including two title-winning campaigns with CSK. Apart from his recent second stint with the Chennai-based side, Thakur has also represented KKR, Delhi Capitals and made his first IPL bow with Punjab Kings in 2015.

Overall, in 95 IPL matches, Shardul has claimed 94 wickets in 95 matches at an economy rate of 9.23. The 33-year-old has also showcased his ability with the bat, scoring a swift fifty for KKR in the 2023 season.

It was also reported that Mohsin had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee at the end of December during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Still Mohsin had joined the LSG camp, and is currently "doing rehab and will work with the LSG support staff to chalk out his route back".