Mohammed Shami sparked a decisive turnaround for Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. The veteran seamer struck twice, then tightened the screws with a miserly four-over spell that cost only nine runs, leaving SRH’s batting unit scrambling for answers.
In the powerplay, Shami removed both openers—Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head—setting the tone early. SRH were unable to build meaningful momentum, and Lucknow chased the target down with composure, sealing the chase in the final over through skipper Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 68.
Quick facts
- Mohammed Shami took two wickets and conceded just nine runs in four overs.
- He dismissed SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head during the powerplay.
- LSG won the match by five wickets.
- Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 68 in the successful chase.
- Shami produced 18 dot balls in the winning effort.
- Shami was traded by SRH before IPL 2026; Lucknow signed him for INR 10 crore.
- Shami’s Player of the Match outing came in the same fixture against SRH before this game.
Shami’s impact has been even more striking given the context around his move. He was traded away by Sunrisers Hyderabad before the IPL 2026 season, with Lucknow bringing him into the squad for INR 10 crore.
After earning Player of the Match honours in the earlier, tense meeting versus SRH, Shami kept his feet on the ground and addressed questions about his recent form. He said, “I am not a machine,” reflecting on how his performance can fluctuate from season to season.
Against SRH this time, the numbers backed up his calm approach. Shami’s control included 18 dot balls as LSG finished the job by five wickets, again putting him at the centre of the contest.
When asked about his output and the struggles he has faced, Shami repeated the message that he is human and not a constant. “I am not a machine. My season can go up and down,” he said, adding that he has delivered well across the last few years even if the difference sometimes goes unnoticed, and that he continues to work to perform.
Rhythm, fitness and the slower ball plan
The 35-year-old also pointed to consistency behind the scenes after a difficult IPL 2025 and a period affected by injury. He credited his return to match rhythm, explaining that staying connected to cricket is key to sharpening skills. “If you want to play, it’s important to be in touch with the game. If you’re fit, you can work on your skills. That’s why I played all the domestic games,” he said.
At the venue, Shami spoke about how he used his experience to shape his spell. He revealed that he deliberately leaned into slower deliveries, deciding to rely more on variation—particularly slower balls—because he had seen their value earlier and noticed their effectiveness against opposition batters.
He also underlined what separates elite performers from the rest: preparation and know-how. “Without skill or experience, nothing happens,” he said, stressing how demanding top-level cricket can be.
Beyond tactics, Shami touched on the importance of the team environment. He said he feels settled within the Lucknow setup, calling it “my second home,” adding that it does not take long for him to get in sync with the group.
After a defeat in the previous match, Shami insisted this result mattered for the bigger picture. “I’m happy. We lost our last game; winning this game was key to building momentum,” he added.
Shami’s display was not just about wicket-taking—it showcased discipline, resilience and the work ethic that has made him one of India’s most reliable fast-bowling options in T20 cricket. With his controlled spell and the support of Pant’s finishing, LSG turned pressure into momentum and delivered a statement win.
