Indian veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will turn out for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 following a successful trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Shami had been SRH’s second-most expensive acquisition ahead of the IPL 2025 season, secured for INR 10 crore.
LSG acquired the Bengal speedster for the same fee to bolster their pace attack. Backed by vast experience, Shami has featured in 119 IPL matches across five franchises since his debut in 2013. He played a key role for the Gujarat Titans
(GT), winning the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets in 17 matches. Although he missed the 2024 season due to injury, he had previously delivered another impactful campaign, taking 20 wickets and helping GT clinch the title.
However, his stint with SRH did not go as planned. Returning from injury, Shami managed just six wickets in nine matches at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23, as he struggled to regain his trademark rhythm. Since then, he has worked extensively on his fitness and form, impressing in the domestic circuit for Bengal with 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches this season.
LSG were let down by their all-Indian pace attack in IPL 2025, as the likes of Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and Prince Yadav struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposition batters. It became evident that the franchise would target reinforcements to bolster their bowling department ahead of the next season.
Bringing in someone of Shami’s calibre significantly strengthens their pace unit. His presence not only adds experience and quality to the attack but also provides invaluable guidance to the younger fast bowlers in the squad, given his years of performing on the big stage.
With the IPL retention deadline set for November 15, all teams are currently finalising their decisions regarding potential trades and releases as they prepare for next month’s auction.
