As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, the focus is on teams looking to bolster their squads, especially in light of potential injuries to key players.
One name that has emerged as a strong candidate for an injury replacement is Shardul Thakur, the experienced Indian all-rounder.
Despite going unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Thakur’s recent performances in domestic cricket have reignited interest in his capabilities. Here are three teams that could target him as a replacement:
1. Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) currently have a relatively thin fast-bowling lineup, which includes players like Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan.
With questions surrounding the fitness of some of their bowlers, particularly Mayank Yadav, adding Shardul Thakur could significantly strengthen their bowling attack.
Thakur’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an appealing option for LSG, especially if they face any injuries among their pace bowlers.
2. Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals (DC) are another team that could benefit from Shardul Thakur’s all-round skills. While they have a solid batting lineup featuring players like Faf du Plessis and Harry Brook, their all-rounder options are somewhat limited apart from Axar Patel.
With a potent fast-bowling unit including Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameera, Thakur could provide valuable depth and experience as an injury replacement.
His proven track record in IPL and international cricket makes him a viable candidate to enhance DC’s chances of securing their first IPL title.
3. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been noted for lacking quality all-rounders in their squad. While they have players like Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag, they may not be sufficient to provide balance throughout the tournament.
Shardul Thakur’s reputation as a “partnership breaker” and his ability to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball could make him a perfect fit for RR.
His experience would add depth to their bowling attack while also providing lower-order batting strength, which is crucial in T20 formats.
