Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is all set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming IPL 2026 season after being traded by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The move comes right before the IPL player retention deadline, marking a significant development in the trade window.
According to a report, Shami will make the shift from SRH ahead of the new season—just a year after Hyderabad purchased him for ₹10 crore following their 2024 runner-up finish. Despite the high expectations, Shami’s stint with SRH in the 2025 season did not go as planned. The senior bowler struggled with form, managing only 6 wickets and conceding over 11 runs per over, a sharp contrast from his exceptional 2024 season with Gujarat Titans where he picked up 28 wickets, one of the best performances of his IPL career.
Meanwhile, LSG have been actively seeking to fix their domestic pace-bowling concerns. Injuries and inexperience severely affected their seam unit last season. With Shardul Thakur already traded to Mumbai Indians, Shami becomes a crucial addition, joining Arjun Tendulkar as one of LSG’s new seam options for 2026.
Overall, Shami brings deep experience to the unit, having taken 133 wickets in 119 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.63 over his career.
Potential Mentorship Role at LSG?
At LSG, Shami is expected to partner with the exciting but injury-hit young pacer Mayank Yadav. If both stay fit, the duo could form one of the most impactful pace attacks in IPL 2026. However, injury management will be a key focus.
The team also includes domestic talents Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Prince Yadav, along with New Zealand’s William O’Rourke. Still, some of these bowlers may be released ahead of the upcoming auction, signalling a restructuring phase for the franchise.
Shami was also reportedly on the radar of Delhi Capitals, who were similarly looking to boost their fast-bowling resources. However, LSG secured the experienced pacer, further adding to a roster that already includes high-salary stars like Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran.
Shami’s Current Form and India Role
Despite recent dips in IPL form and ongoing fitness concerns, Shami remains one of India’s most accomplished seam bowlers. He recently played a key role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, serving as a frontline pacer. He has also continued his wicket-taking consistency while representing Bengal in domestic cricket.
With this move, LSG will be banking on Shami’s expertise, experience, and leadership to guide a young pace attack and give the team a competitive edge in IPL 2026.