As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season unfolds, all eyes are on Shardul Thakur, the seasoned all-rounder who has become a talking point for his dramatic return to the league with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After going unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Thakur’s inclusion as a replacement player has sparked discussions about his value, resilience, and impact. With the high-octane SRH vs LSG match scheduled for tonight, March 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Thakur’s role in LSG’s campaign is under the spotlight. Let’s dive into his journey, stats, and the trending narratives surrounding “Lord Shardul” in IPL 2025.
From Unsold to Unstoppable: Thakur’s IPL 2025 Journey
Shardul Thakur’s IPL 2025 story is one of redemption. Despite a base price of INR 2 crore, the 33-year-old all-rounder found no takers at the mega auction in November 2024, a surprising turn of events for a player with his experience. Thakur, who has represented five IPL franchises—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS)—seemed to be on the brink of missing out on the 2025 season. However, fate intervened when LSG’s left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan was ruled out of the tournament due to an ACL injury and calf strain. LSG signed Thakur from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at his reserve price of INR 2 crore, marking his sixth IPL team and a fresh chapter in his career.
Thakur wasted no time in proving his worth. In LSG’s season opener against Delhi Capitals on March 24, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, he delivered a sensational opening spell, picking up two wickets in his first over. He dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel, reducing DC to 8/3 in the powerplay. His figures of 2/19 in two overs set the tone for LSG’s bowling effort, although they eventually lost the game by one wicket. Fans on X erupted with praise, with many calling for IPL franchises to “apologize” for overlooking him at the auction. One user remarked, “From being unsold in the mega auction to coming in as an injury replacement and now picking up 2 big wickets in the first over of the tournament. Lord Shardul Thakur is unstoppable.”
However, Thakur’s batting contribution in the same match was less impressive. A mix-up with David Miller led to a suicidal run-out, ending his innings prematurely and drawing criticism for LSG’s lower-order fragility. Despite this, Thakur’s bowling heroics reaffirmed his reputation as a genuine wicket-taker, a trait that could be crucial for LSG as they face a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) side tonight.
Shardul Thakur’s IPL Stats: A Proven Performer
Thakur’s IPL career spans 97 matches, during which he has picked up 98 wickets at an economy rate of 9.1, as noted in posts on X. His overall IPL wicket tally stands at 137 scalps from 107 games, with an average of 23.23 and an economy of 8.74, according to Sportskeeda. These numbers highlight his consistency as a bowler, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, where his variations and execution skills come to the fore. Thakur’s ability to break partnerships has earned him the nickname “Lord Shardul,” a moniker that reflects his knack for delivering in clutch moments.
In IPL 2025, Thakur has already made an impact with his two wickets against DC, but his batting remains a concern. Historically, he has contributed 343 runs in the IPL at a strike rate of 125.18, often providing handy cameos lower down the order. However, his run-out against DC underscores the need for better decision-making if he is to maximize his all-round potential for LSG.
Thakur’s IPL journey has seen financial ups and downs. In 2014-16, he earned 20 lakh with PBKS, followed by 2.6 crore with CSK from 2018-21. His price peaked at 10.75 crore with DC in 2022 and KKR in 2023, before dropping to 4 crore with CSK in 2024. His unsold status in 2025 was a shock, but his current INR 2 crore deal with LSG has given him a platform to reassert his value.
Trending Narratives: Thakur’s Role in LSG’s Campaign
Thakur’s inclusion in LSG has sparked several trending narratives. First, his decision to prioritize the IPL over a County Championship stint with Essex has raised eyebrows. Thakur was set to play seven matches for Essex in April and May 2025, a move that could have prepared him for India’s Test tour of England in June-July. However, by choosing the IPL, he will miss at least the first six County games, prompting discussions about the impact on his Test prospects. Some fans and analysts argue that the IPL offers greater visibility and financial rewards, while others believe the County experience would have been more beneficial for his long-term development in English conditions, where he has previously scored 122 runs and taken 8 wickets in Tests.
Second, Thakur’s role in LSG’s bowling attack is under scrutiny, especially given the team’s injury woes. With Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep sidelined, and Avesh Khan only recently returning, LSG’s pace unit is heavily reliant on Thakur’s experience. His performance against DC showed he can lead the attack, but LSG’s overall bowling frailties were exposed as they failed to defend 209. Rishabh Pant’s captaincy decisions, particularly removing Thakur after his double-wicket over, drew criticism from fans on X, with one user questioning, “Can we talk about how Shardul Thakur took two wickets in his first over and then just disappeared from the attack? No one even questioned Pant about it.”
Finally, Thakur’s redemption arc has captured the imagination of fans. After being ignored at the auction, his fiery spell against DC has reignited debates about his value in T20 cricket. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user stating, “How can somebody not pick a guy like Shardul Thakur who was a part of the Cricket World Cup 2023 squad and has proven to be kind of consistent generally in terms of bowling and sometimes even in batting. Now he’s showing his worth.”
SRH vs LSG: Thakur’s Challenge Against a Rampant Batting Lineup
Tonight’s match against SRH presents a stern test for Thakur and LSG. SRH are coming off a 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals, where they posted 286/6—the second-highest total in IPL history—led by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106 off 47 balls. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has been a batting paradise, with an average first-innings score of 216 in recent IPL matches, and teams batting first winning 5 out of the last 8 games here. SRH’s openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, have been in devastating form, scoring 107 runs in the powerplay against RR, a record they also set against LSG in 2024.
Thakur, who has dismissed Abhishek twice in 14 balls in the IPL, conceding just 16 runs, will be key to breaking SRH’s top order. His ability to swing the ball early and execute variations in the death overs could be LSG’s best bet to contain SRH’s firepower. However, LSG’s bowling unit, including Thakur, will need to be at their best to avoid another high-scoring onslaught. Analysts predict SRH could even breach the 300-run mark—a feat yet to be achieved in IPL history—given the flat pitch and LSG’s depleted bowling resources.
What’s Next for Shardul Thakur?
Thakur’s journey in IPL 2025 is just beginning, but his early impact has already shifted perceptions. For LSG, he offers a much-needed experienced head in a bowling attack plagued by injuries. If he can maintain his wicket-taking form and contribute with the bat, Thakur could play a pivotal role in turning around LSG’s fortunes after their opening loss. His next challenge is to help LSG upset SRH tonight, a task that will require him to outsmart some of the most aggressive batters in the tournament.
Beyond the IPL, Thakur’s decision to prioritize the league over County cricket has sparked a broader debate about balancing franchise cricket with national duties. While his IPL performances could bolster his case for a Test recall, missing out on English conditions might hinder his preparation for the upcoming tour. For now, though, Thakur is focused on making the most of his IPL opportunity, and fans are eagerly watching to see if “Lord Shardul” can continue his redemption story.
What do you think of Shardul Thakur’s comeback in IPL 2025? Can he lead LSG’s bowling attack to success against SRH tonight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
