New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is likely to make an appearance in the IPL 2025 just months after getting unsold in the mega auction held last year. An image has been widely shared on social media platforms, which shows the 33-year-old all-rounder practicing in the jersey of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
According to a report by The Times of India, Thakur also celebrated the Holi festival with LSG’s squad members. He was also spotted training in the LSG kit on Sunday as lately.
However, there is no official confirmation from the franchise regarding the player’s signing. This could be a move in the aftermath of LSG pace bowlers reporting injuries in succession. The likes of Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan are marred with various injuries ahead of the 18th edition of the tournament.
Shardul Thakur & Shivam Mavi To Replace Two LSG Injured Pacers (Mohsin & Mayank Mostly) pic.twitter.com/oXfvqJ778D
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) March 16, 2025
Mayank and Mohsin were among the five players retained by the franchise right before the auction while Avesh was purchased for INR 9.5 crore. On the other hand, Thakur, who played 95 IPL matches across nine seasons, didn’t find any bidders in the auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November last year.
He last played for five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024. He accounted for only five wickets from nine matches at an economy rate of 9.76 and scored 21 runs at a strike rate of 123.53. Overall, the Mumbai all-rounder has played 95 IPL matches, picking 94 wickets apart from 307 runs with the bat.
Thakur has played for Punjab Kings, now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in the past seasons.
He was part of Mumbai’s title-winning team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 last year. He was the highest wicket-taker for the Shreyas Iyer-led side with 15 wickets from nine matches at an average of 24.53. This performance came just after going unsold at the auction.
Shardul Thakur, unsold in the IPL 2024 mega auction, is reportedly training with an IPL franchise in their kit, sparking speculation about a potential signing for IPL 2025. However, there is no official confirmation, Thakur’s presence with the team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
