Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, is once again in the headlines, but not about his ouster from the national cricket team, but about his IPL future. Many franchises are reportedly showing keen interest in signing Mohammed Shami ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
It is being said that a big trade could be done by Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction with the addition of a possible Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran swap. However, the RR-CSK trade deal is almost confirmed.
Mohammed Shami likely to be traded if LSG and DC franchises show interest
A report in Cricbuzz suggests that Mohammed Shami could be traded by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise is currently exploring all possible options as the demand for the Indian fast bowler is increasing among the top teams.
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The report claims that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are the frontrunners and both are keen to strengthen their pace attack with Shami’s experience and skills for the next edition of the tournament.
If the trade does happen, it is expected to be a straight cash deal rather than a player swap. However, if the talks are not successful then SRH may also consider leaving Shami in the auction pool. But it is certain that Shami will either go to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or return to his former IPL franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) before the IPL 2026 auction next month.
After a difficult IPL season, Mohammed Shami showed his talent in domestic cricket.
Notably, Shami was bought for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. However, the 35-year-old fast bowler’s performance for SRH last season did not live up to expectations as he could take only six wickets in seven matches at an economy rate above 11.
Having represented India in 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is, Shami is one of India’s finest fast bowlers, known for his lethal seam movement and ability to perform well in pressure situations. He has more than 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 period came during his time with Gujarat Titans, where he dominated in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
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He took 48 wickets for the Titans in two seasons. Unfortunately, Shami missed the 2024 season due to injuries, which also kept him out of most of the 2025 matches. But Shami has calmed the 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 three matches.
Not many bowlers are of his quality: Shubman Gill on Mohammed Shami
Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill admitted that it was a difficult decision to drop Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Ahead of the first Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Gill said that only the Indian selectors can explain Shami’s continued ignoring from the team.
“A lot of the bowlers are not of his quality. But those who are playing have done a fantastic job. Sometimes it is difficult to miss players like Shami bhai. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference.
