The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are facing a serious blow ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, as their premier pacer Mohsin Khan has been ruled out due to injury. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer, who was expected to spearhead the bowling attack, suffered an ACL injury that kept him off the field for three months. Just as he resumed bowling in the nets, he picked up a calf strain, compounding LSG’s bowling woes.
According to a report by the Times of India, LSG is set to bring in experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur as Mohsin’s replacement. Thakur, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite setting a base price of INR 2 crore, has already been seen training with the squad and will travel with them to Visakhapatnam for their season opener against Delhi Capitals. An official announcement confirming his inclusion is expected soon, with Thakur likely to lead the pace attack in the absence of other key players.
Mohsin Khan’s absence is a major disruption to LSG’s plans. Retained ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, the franchise had high expectations from the young pacer, particularly in providing early breakthroughs with the new ball and delivering effective overs at the death. With his ability to swing the ball and bowl deceptive slower deliveries and yorkers, Mohsin was a crucial component of LSG’s bowling strategy.
His injury comes at a time when LSG’s pace unit is already under significant strain. Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep are nursing injuries and undergoing rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, making them unavailable for the first few matches. Avesh Khan, although reportedly fit, is yet to join the squad, casting doubt over his participation in the opener.
LSG’s management has come under scrutiny for its auction strategy. The franchise opted for an Indian-heavy pace attack featuring several injury-prone players, many of whom have spent more time in rehab than on the field recently. The fragile pace department, combined with an already inconsistent batting unit, leaves LSG in a vulnerable position ahead of the new season.
With Shardul Thakur stepping in and the team banking on the quick recovery of its first-choice bowlers, LSG will hope to stabilize quickly and put together a competitive campaign. But for now, Mohsin Khan’s injury casts a long shadow over their IPL 2025 ambitions.
