IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur Unexpected Rise – From Unsold to Match-Winner for Lucknow Super Giants

Shardul Thakur: From IPL 2025 Auction Snub to Superstar Performance
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform where underdogs turn into overnight sensations, and IPL 2025 is no different. Shardul Thakur, a player who went unsold in the mega auction, is now proving to be a game-changer for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Despite setting his base price at INR 2 crore, no franchise showed interest in acquiring his services. However, fate had other plans as Lucknow Super Giants picked him up as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan, and since then, he has been on a rampage, destroying opposition batting line-ups one after another.
Shardul Thakur’s Sensational Performance Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
Shardul Thakur once again proved why he is one of the most lethal pacers in IPL 2025. Playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, he turned the game around within two balls. Bowling in the third over of the innings, he dismissed Abhishek Sharma on the very first ball, sending him back to the pavilion for just 6 runs. But he wasn’t done yet! On the very next delivery, he got rid of Ishan Kishan, who was coming off a century in the last game. Shardul didn’t even let Ishan open his account, dismissing him for a golden duck.
His two-wicket burst in a single over turned the match in Lucknow’s favor, putting Hyderabad on the back foot.
A Repeat of His Heroics Against Delhi Capitals
This wasn’t the first time that Shardul Thakur delivered a match-winning performance for LSG in IPL 2025. Against Delhi Capitals, he gave LSG a dream start by taking two quick wickets in the very first over of the match. He dismissed Jack Fraser McGurk and Abhishek Porel, sending them back for just 1 and 0 runs, respectively.
His ability to strike in the powerplay has been a major asset for Lucknow Super Giants, and he continues to wreak havoc against opposition batsmen.
How Did Shardul Thakur End Up in Lucknow Super Giants?
Despite being an experienced Indian pacer, Shardul Thakur found no takers in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The all-rounder, known for his ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute handy runs down the order, was shockingly ignored by all ten franchises. However, Lucknow Super Giants saw an opportunity when their key pacer, Mohsin Khan, was ruled out due to injury. Shardul was roped in as a replacement, and since then, he has been nothing short of a revelation.
Why Shardul Thakur is the X-Factor for LSG?
- Powerplay Specialist: His ability to take wickets early in the innings gives LSG a stronghold in the match from the very beginning.
- Golden Arm: Shardul has always been a wicket-taker, often breaking crucial partnerships.
- Experience Matters: Despite being unsold in the auction, he has years of IPL and international experience, which he is utilizing to the fullest.
- Batting Depth: Though he hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his batting, he is a reliable lower-order batsman who can contribute quick runs if needed.
What Lies Ahead for Shardul Thakur in IPL 2025?
With his current form, Shardul Thakur is now an indispensable part of LSG’s playing XI. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments makes him a nightmare for opposition batsmen. If he continues this stellar form, he could become one of the highest wicket-takers of IPL 2025 and make a strong case for his return to the Indian national team.
Stay tuned as Shardul Thakur continues his dream run in IPL 2025, proving that sometimes, destiny has bigger plans than the auction table!