Shardul Thakur went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. This came as a big shock given the balance he brings to the side with his all-around abilities. According to a report in the Times of India, Thakur was seen training with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which has sparked speculation about his return to the IPL. The franchise, however, is yet to confirm any signings. Thakur, who has represented Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now defunct Rising Pune Supergiants, also celebrated Holi with the LSG players.
Thakur was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025 after an ordinary run in the last season where he picked up just five wickets and scored 21 runs in nine matches. He later went unsold in the auction twice.

Thakur, however, returned to form in domestic cricket. During Mumbai's run to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, he picked up 15 wickets in nine games at an average of 24.53. In the Ranji Trophy, he took 35 wickets in nine matches at an average of 22.62.
Thakur could solve a lot of problems for the Lucknow Super Kings, who are sweating over the fitness of multiple players. The pace trio of Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khhaveare have yet to receive clearance from the NCA. Also, Mitchell Marsh has confirmed he won't be bowling during the IPL 2025. The addition of a fast-bowling all-rounder could be a massive boost for the franchise. LSG will open their campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24.
Thakur has played 95 matches in the Indian Premier League, scoring 307 runs with one fifty in 37 innings he batted. With the ball, he has taken 94 wickets in 92 innings.
LSG Squad: Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Matthew Breetzke.