IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur likely to join LSG as injury replacement after going unsold at mega auction

In a shocking move, Shardul Thakur was unsold at the mega auctions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after being released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the eighteenth edition. As a result, the cricketer had registered for the auction at a base price of INR 2 crore. But unfortunately, Shardul could not attract any bidders, and CSK also chose not to execute their Right To Match (RTM) option, leading to despair for him.

However, things may change as the bowling all-rounder is in line to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad. The Palghar Express was spotted at the franchise's training camp less than a week to go into the tournament, and may finally have a team to play for in the upcoming edition. A picture of his net session with the LSG set-up has been doing the rounds on social media, which has solidified the development.

Watch the post here

The fact that he went unsold did not dent any confidence for Shardul Thakur, as he performed exceptionally during the domestic tournaments. His 2024-25 season was filled with brilliant all-round display where he picked 35 wickets for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Moreover, he also contributed handsomely with the bat, collecting 505 runs at the end of the season.

In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Mumbai lifted the title under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, Shardul played a pivotal part, taking 15 wickets at an average of 24.53 in nine games. He was also the highest wicket-taker for Mumbai and fourth-highest overall in the season. In Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 50-over competition, the 33-year-old took 10 wickets from seven games where Mumbai failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.

One of the reasons that the pace-bowling all-rounder could be added to the LSG squad is the injury concerns going on in the original team. Their bowlers - Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan are yet to get fitness clearance from the BCCI, which has made doubts loom over their participation in the upcoming edition as LSG prepare for their tournament opener against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. 

With Form being on his side, the Palghar-born will be full of confidence to make similar contributions for LSG as well. However, an official announcement of his addition from the team is currently awaited, which will be making things confirmed.