Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has officially moved from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. The trade was finalised on Retention Deadline Day (November 15), ending his stint at SRH where he was the second-most expensive acquisition at INR 10 crore.
LSG are banking on Shami’s experience and skillset to bolster their pace attack alongside other recruits. Shami’s record across formats, especially in T20 and IPL, underlines why he remains a high-value asset. His ability to swing the ball, execute yorkers and bowl under pressure makes him a genuine all-round asset for T20s.
The Trade to LSG – What Changed and What It Means
The move of Shami to LSG comes as teams across the league reshape their rosters ahead of the mini auction. At SRH, despite his pedigree, Shami faced a mixture of form issues and injuries. The trade represents a fresh start for him and for LSG. LSG now invites him into a bowling unit that wants experience, variety and death-over control.
Shami’s price at INR 10 crore reflected his value, but his move signals more than money. It signals a shift in LSG’s recruitment: from simply buying big names to adding specialists who can fill key roles. Shami’s addition complements LSG’s pace battery, especially for crunch overs, and offers them a potent weapon in high-stakes matches. SRH, in turn, freed up purse space and overseas slots which helps them in the upcoming auction.
For Shami personally, this trade is an opportunity to reset his IPL narrative. With LSG’s backing, he must deliver smart spells, adapt to varied conditions and support young bowlers around him. From the franchise’s perspective, getting a seasoned Indian pacer with T20 credentials builds depth and bowling options for different phases of the match.
Recent Form Snapshot – Is Shami Back in Rhythm?
Shami’s recent form shows signs of a resurgence. He was traded to LSG following the IPL 2025 season where his impact was limited and injury-concerns lingered. However, his performances in domestic cricket, especially the Ranji Trophy, signal a return to his rhythm. He delivered an 8-wicket haul for Bengal, showing fitness and fire.
While his T20I and IPL stats may not be headline-dominating lately, his career across formats maintains credibility. His T20I bowling average hovers around 28.19 with 27 wickets in 25 matches. For a pacer primarily bowling high-leverage overs, those numbers speak volumes.
If Shami can transfer that domestic momentum into T20/ IPL matches, he will regain his status as a major force. For LSG, hope lies in his experience, accuracy and ability to exploit late-innings pressure.
Why Shami Is a Complete T20 Player?
Shami isn’t just a fast bowler who takes wickets. He offers a multi-faceted package that suits T20 cricket. His ability to swing the ball early, use seam movement and reverse swing late makes him deadly in both power-plays and death overs. His well-executed yorkers and clever variations make him one of the few pacers capable of bowling slow-down overs with threat.
In T20 matches, controlling those situations matters: defending 10 runs in the last two overs, or getting early wickets in power-play can decide games. Shami has done both. He is used to pressure, has seen big matches, and holds composure. His cycling through domestic and IPL formats keeps him match-sharp. Moreover, he has a strong mindset — one that thrives on comeback and challenge.
T20 teams look for bowlers who can do more than just bulk overs; they want smart overs, tactical use and match awareness. Shami ticks those boxes. He brings the ability to execute plans, stay calm under fire and adapt across conditions. For LSG and the IPL stage, this makes him a highly-valued asset.
What LSG Will Expect from Shami This Season?
LSG will expect Shami to deliver in three key phases: the power-play, middle overs and the death overs. In the power-play, early movement and wickets help set the tone. In the middle, his role may shift to breaking partnerships or maintaining pressure. At Death Overs, his yorkers and variations must strangle scoring.
They will ask him to mentor young bowlers, help craft plans and take responsibility in crunch moments. They will also expect improved fitness and match readiness. His recent domestic performance indicates he may be ready for that challenge. If he delivers, LSG gain not just a bowler but a strategic weapon for finals-level scenarios.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami’s trade to LSG marks a noteworthy moment for both the player and the franchise. For Shami, it’s a chance to renew his T20 credentials and return to peak form. For LSG, it’s a high-value acquisition of an experienced Indian pacer who brings tactical depth, pressure-over mastery and match-winning capability.
Though his recent IPL form had questions, his domestic revival and long-term credentials show he remains a high-impact player. His profile as a “complete T20 player” makes him an asset beyond just wicket-taking — he offers bowling intelligence, phase-specific strength and game awareness.
As the IPL 2026 mini auction approaches, with teams carefully structuring squads and purse-management tight, Shami’s arrival gives LSG a competitive edge. If he performs close to his best, he can shift match results and add major value. The stage is set. All eyes will be on Shami to see if he can deliver those big moments again.
