Lucknow Super Giants Face Injury Setbacks, Welcome Shardul Thakur 🏏
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are navigating a challenging start to the IPL 2025 season, compounded by a significant injury crisis within their fast-bowling ranks. The team has announced the signing of experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur as a replacement for Mohsin Khan, who suffered a serious knee injury. This development comes amidst a broader concern regarding the fitness of several key LSG fast bowlers.
Mohsin Khan's Injury and Thakur's Arrival
Mohsin Khan, a promising talent who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, sustained a tear to his right knee's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on December 21 while participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Despite joining the LSG camp in Lucknow, he did not travel with the squad to Visakhapatnam for their opening match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24. Shardul Thakur, who went unsold at the IPL auction, has been training with LSG and has been brought in as a replacement. He will be acquired for his reserve price of INR 2 crore, joining the team from the registered available player pool.
Thakur's Journey and County Cricket Plans
Thakur's IPL career spans nine seasons and five franchises – Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings, PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rising Pune Supergiants. He has accumulated 67 wickets at an economy rate of 8.89. Following a successful domestic season with Mumbai after undergoing foot surgery, Thakur signed as an overseas player for Essex to play in county cricket. However, he proactively alerted Essex that he would be available for IPL replacement opportunities, and Essex has confirmed his departure to join LSG.
A Cascade of Fast-Bowler Injuries 🤕
The situation is further complicated by a concerning number of injuries to LSG's other fast-bowling options. Beyond Mohsin, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also unavailable. All three are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
- Mayank Yadav: Continuing rehab for a lower-back stress injury.
- Avesh Khan: Recovering from workload-related niggles in his right knee.
- Akash Deep: Recovering from a stress injury in his lower back.
There is no confirmed timeline for their return, although Avesh is potentially a week away, pending fitness tests.
LSG's Unfortunate Circumstances 😟
LSG's inability to field any of their four first-choice Indian fast bowlers is undoubtedly a setback. The team will be hoping that Thakur's experience and versatility can provide much-needed stability during this challenging period. The team's management will be carefully monitoring the progress of the injured players and exploring further options to strengthen the bowling attack.
LSG will consider themselves unfortunate considering none of their four first-choice Indian fast bowlers are currently fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why was Mohsin Khan replaced? Mohsin Khan suffered a serious ACL tear in his right knee and requires rehabilitation.
- How much did LSG pay for Shardul Thakur? Thakur was acquired for his reserve price of INR 2 crore.
- When will the injured fast bowlers return? There is no confirmed return date for Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep.
- What is the significance of the BCCI Centre of Excellence? It is a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and recovery of Indian cricketers.