IPL Trade Window 2026: Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami moves from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants, strengthening LSG’s pace attack ahead of IPL 2026. (Image Credit: X/@circleofcricket)
IPL Trade Window 2026: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is in the headlines after being traded to the Lucknow Super Giants from Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore. The move comes after a mixed 2025 season for Shami, and it could be a major game-changer for LSG ahead of IPL 2026.
Shami was purchased by SRH in the 2025 mega auction for ₹10 crore but underwhelmed during his stint. He managed to claim just six wickets in nine matches and had an economy rate over 11. His fitness concerns and inconsistent form reportedly influenced SRH's decision to trade him.
In making this move, SRH has freed up salary cap space and roster flexibility to explore younger talent or restructure their pace attack.
LSG's pace department has been affected by injuries to key quicks like Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan. Adding Shami brings experience, seam movement, and proven wicket-taking ability-just what LSG needs to strengthen the bowling attack.
Shami also reunites with Bharat Arun, LSG's head of talent development and former India bowling coach, something that should help him get into the team's strategies and conditions quickly. This combination of experience, mentorship, and team support makes Shami potentially a vital asset for LSG in 2026.
LSG get a strike bowler in Shami who could lead the attack and take important wickets at the top. His experience on the big stage gives this team so much depth, especially during playoff games.
The current team now boasts a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and young talents, which could be its strong foundation not only for the league stage but also beyond.
While not directly related to LSG, the contrast in approaches of IPL trades becomes worth a mention. In the CSK-RR swap, Ravindra Jadeja took a pay cut on his way to RR.
On the other hand, Shami retains his full valuation, indicating LSG's intent to invest in experience while backing Shami to return to peak form.
