Shardul Thakur Joins Lucknow Super Giants
In an unexpected turn, Mumbai's all-round sensation, Shardul Thakur, has signed with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 IPL season. Coming on board as a replacement for the injured pacer Mohsin Khan, Thakur has secured a contract worth INR 2 crore from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). This signing happened as Khan, unfortunately, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, leaving him side-lined after participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
For Thakur, known fondly as ‘Lord Thakur’ due to his tenacity, this marks his sixth franchise in the IPL circuit. His expansive career includes past involvements with top teams such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rising Pune Supergiants, and LSG in earlier stints.
Implications for Thakur and LSG
Thakur's entry couldn't have come at a better time for LSG, as their pace attack is worrying with significant injuries. Alongside him, key players like Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are also coping with injuries themselves. Thakur is poised to share the new-ball responsibilities with Shamar Joseph, adding much-needed depth and experience to the team. LSG's campaign is set to begin on March 24 against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam, where they hope to capitalize on Thakur's prowess.
However, there's a twist in the tale for Thakur himself. His commitment to the IPL season means he will miss Essex’s first six County Championship games. This decision might affect his ambitions for India’s Test squad, particularly for the significant series in England where India has lined up a five-Test series. The overlap of schedules means he will miss out on vital practice in English conditions.
Despite being a key asset, with his performance in the domestic scene being notable—35 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and 15 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—his absence from county cricket could cost him when it comes to proving his mettle in the longest format of the game.
His decision to prioritize the IPL over the county games was influenced by LSG's urgent need for a seasoned bowler. According to LSG’s mentor, Zaheer Khan, adaptability is crucial during such challenging times. Nonetheless, it raises important questions about India’s Test lineup, especially if leading bowler Jasprit Bumrah faces an unsustainable workload.
Thakur’s versatility makes him a significant figure in cricket, yet this move to focus on his IPL commitment underscores the complex choices players must often make in their careers. Balancing the immediate demands of the T20 format with long-term aspirations in Test cricket remains a tightrope walk, and it will be interesting to see how this decision plays out for both him and the Indian national team.