3 reasons why LSG trading in Mohammad Shami ahead of IPL 2026 Auction would be the right move

In a latest development, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are likely to trade pacer Mohammad Shami to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. As per an ESPN Cricinfo report, it will be an all-cash deal.

Mohammad Shami was acquired by SRH for a massive price of ₹10 crore ahead of IPL 2025. Due to injury, he did not play all the matches. He featured in nine games and bagged just six wickets at an average of 56.16 and an economy of 11.23.

Should Shami move to LSG, he would reunite with former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun. Bharat Arun has worked closely with the veteran pacer in the past, which could prove to be beneficial.

That said, here are three reasons why LSG trading in Mohammad Shami ahead of the IPL 2026 auction would be the right move.

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#3 Mohammad Shami could be the leader of the pace attack which LSG missed last season

Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the table last season and failed to qualify for the playoffs. A major reason behind their upsetting display was the lack of a lead pacer in the side.

Their pace unit included Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Akash Deep, Prince Yadav, and William O'Rourke. While Shardul Thakur also joined them, they lacked an experienced Indian pacer in the line-up.

Having an experienced pacer like Mohammad Shami would be a much-needed addition. Shami could lead their pace attack and also guide the young quicks in the team. Despite not having done well last season, the presence of a senior pacer like Shami could be a major shot in the arm for LSG.

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#2 Shami could be their reliable new-ball bowler who can bring experience and firepower

LSG had the second-fewest wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2025. Due to the lack of a lead pacer, they struggled to push the opponents back at the start. Having a reliable new-ball bowler with experience who can bring firepower is what LSG require.

Mohammad Shami could play that role well for them. Although he had a poor season last year, he bagged 28 wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2022 and 2023, the most by any bowler in that period. His ability to move the ball both ways makes him a lethal weapon at the top if fully fit and in form.

Speaking of form, the veteran pacer has been among the wickets in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26. In three games for Bengal so far, he has picked up 15 wickets. His current form comes as a positive sign for any franchise looking to rope him in.

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#1 A major problem solved potentially before the auction for LSG

LSG's major concern was their pace attack last year. Ahead of IPL 2026, it remains an issue for the franchise. There have been question marks over the fitness of Avesh, Mayank, and Mohsin. All three pacers are recovering from different injuries at the moment and are not playing domestic cricket as well.

While they desperately need to strengthen their pace attack and find ways to do so, it may not be an easy task. It is unlikely that other teams would release quality pacers. Therefore, LSG may not have as many options to pick from during the upcoming auction.

In such a scenario, trading in Mohammad Shami could potentially solve a major problem for them before the auction itself. Given the uncertainty around the likes of Mayank Yadav and other pacers, this could be a sensible move by the franchise.