Shardul Thakur’s journey in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of a dramatic turnaround. After going unsold at the auction, the Indian all-rounder was preparing to play for Essex in the County Championship. However, an unexpected call from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) changed everything. Now, not only is he an integral part of the LSG squad, but he also holds the Purple Cap as the leading wicket-taker of the season.
A Sudden Twist in Plans
Thakur was initially set to play seven County Championship matches for Essex in April and May. But as the IPL season approached, injuries within the LSG squad opened the door for his return. LSG’s mentor, Zaheer Khan, was the first to reach out, making Thakur their priority replacement for injured left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who suffered an ACL tear during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Speaking about the unexpected call-up, Thakur said, “It was just one bad day at the auction, and I wasn’t picked by any franchise. But cricket is unpredictable—injuries happen, and I got a few inquiries. LSG was the first to contact me, and given my relationship with Zaheer Khan, I accepted their offer.”
Dominating the IPL with the Ball
Since joining LSG, Thakur has made an immediate impact. With six wickets in two games at an average of 8.83 and an economy rate to match, he has proven to be a game-changer. His standout performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he recorded career-best IPL figures of 4 for 34. This spell not only secured him the Player-of-the-Match award but also brought up his 100th IPL wicket.
Reflecting on his approach, Thakur emphasized the importance of maintaining a winning mindset. “I don’t focus much on the wickets or runs column,” he said. “My goal is to create match-winning performances and have a meaningful impact on the game.”
His crucial breakthroughs against SRH included the dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan off consecutive deliveries, followed by removing Abhinav Manohar and Mohammed Shami during the death overs.
A Call That Rekindled IPL Hopes
Thakur revealed that the possibility of an IPL return surfaced during the Ranji Trophy knockouts, where he had been in excellent form, taking 35 wickets in nine matches while also contributing with the bat.
“Zaheer Khan called during the Ranji Trophy knockouts and mentioned that LSG was considering me as a replacement,” Thakur shared. “He told me to stay prepared, and from that day, I shifted my mindset back to the IPL.”
Tactical Brilliance Against SRH’s Power Hitters
SRH’s batting lineup had been in destructive form, having recently posted a record-breaking 286 for 6 against Rajasthan Royals. However, Thakur and the LSG bowling unit had a clear plan—to counterattack.
“They’ve been going hard at bowlers, so we decided to go hard at them,” Thakur explained. “The strategy was to take chances and get early wickets, which would put us in control. Fortunately, things worked in our favor today.”
Praise from Teammates
Mitchell Marsh, who contributed a half-century to LSG’s successful chase, praised Thakur’s bowling performance. “Shardul bowled outstandingly and set the tone early. His experience was invaluable, especially against aggressive batters like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma,” Marsh said in the post-match press conference.
Staying with LSG for the Long Haul
With his impressive performances and growing importance in the team, Thakur will remain with LSG for the entirety of their IPL 2025 campaign, foregoing his stint with Essex.
Thakur’s resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket. From being unsold at the auction to becoming the Purple Cap holder, his journey is a testament to his resilience and skill. As the IPL season progresses, his performances will be crucial in LSG’s pursuit of their maiden title.
