Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, has once again hit the headlines, but not for his ouster from the national cricket team, but for his IPL future. Several franchises are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Mohammed Shami ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
It is being said that a major trade could be on the cards before the IPL 2026 auction, apart from the possible Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran swap by the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. However, the RR-CSK trade deal is all but confirmed.
Mohammed Shami is likely to be traded as the LSG and DC franchises show interest
A Cricbuzz report suggested that Mohammed Shami could be traded by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise is currently exploring all possible options as the Indian pacer’s demand grows among the top teams.
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The report claimed that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are the frontrunners, and both are eager to strengthen their pace attacks with Shami’s experience and skill for the next edition of the tournament.
If the trade goes through, it is expected to be a straight cash deal rather than a player swap. However, the SRH could also consider releasing Shami into the auction pool if talks don’t materialize. But it is certain that Shami will go either to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or return to his former IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), ahead of the IPL 2026 auction next month.
Mohammed Shami shows fire in domestic cricket after tough IPL season
Notably, Shami was snapped up for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. However, the 35-year-old pacer’s performance for the SRH in the last season did not quite meet expectations, as he could scalp only six wickets in seven matches at an economy rate above 11.
Having represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, Shami remains one of India’s finest fast bowlers, known for his lethal seam movement and ability to deliver in pressure situations. He has over 450 wickets to his name in international cricket.
Apart from shining at the highest level, Shami’s track record speaks volumes, as he remains one of the most consistent wicket-takers in IPL history with 133 wickets in 119 matches. The Bengal fast bowler’s best phase came during his time with the Gujarat Titans, where he dominated in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
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He picked up 48 wickets for the Titans across two seasons. Unfortunately, Shami missed the 2024 season due to injuries, which kept him out of most of 2025 as well. But Shami has silenced doubts with his strong comeback in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, the Indian seamer has already taken 15 wickets in just three matches.
Not many bowlers are of his quality: Shubman Gill on Mohammed Shami
Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill admitted that dropping Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Test series against South Africa was a difficult decision. Ahead of the first test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Gill said that only the Indian selectors can explain Shami’s continuous snub from the side.
Gill said at the pre-match press conference, “Not many bowlers are of his quality. But the ones playing have done a terrific job. Sometimes it’s difficult for players like Shami Bhai to miss out. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that.”