Mohammed Shami Set to Dominate IPL 2026 Trade Market as Top Target for Franchises
Shami Back in the Spotlight Amid IPL 2026 Trade Buzz
The 35-year-old fast bowler, currently under contract with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), could soon find himself donning a new jersey. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are leading the race to sign him, both eager to strengthen their bowling attacks ahead of the new season. With his proven ability to swing the new ball, deliver under pressure, and mentor young pacers, Shami has once again emerged as a top trade target.
Having represented India for over a decade, Shami’s reliability and composure in crunch situations make him a prized asset. His natural seam movement, control, and sharp cricketing intellect continue to distinguish him as one of the most dependable fast bowlers of his generation.
A Look at Mohammed Shami’s Stellar Career and IPL Journey
Shami’s cricketing story is one of relentless determination and discipline. Over a 12-year international career, he has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, claiming more than 450 wickets across formats. Known for his impeccable line and length, he has been India’s go-to bowler in both red and white-ball cricket.
In the IPL, Shami’s consistency and adaptability have made him a match-winner for every team he’s represented — from Punjab Kings to Gujarat Titans and SunRisers Hyderabad. His stint with the Gujarat Titans during the 2022 and 2023 seasons stands as the peak of his IPL career, where he took a combined 48 wickets. His precise swing bowling and ability to break crucial partnerships early in the innings made him one of the league’s most feared pacers.
However, his 2025 season with SRH was underwhelming, yielding just six wickets with a higher economy rate than usual. Despite this slump, his proven track record and experience make him an invaluable resource. Every elite bowler experiences lean phases, but Shami’s overall contribution to Indian and franchise cricket proves his enduring class.
SunRisers Hyderabad’s Dilemma: To Trade or Retain?
Beyond wickets, Shami brings leadership, tactical insight, and invaluable mentorship for young pacers in the squad. His calm demeanor in tense moments and ability to strategize on the field make him a guiding force for less experienced bowlers. Yet, with other teams aggressively pursuing him, SRH is reportedly open to an all-cash trade deal, which appears more likely than his release into the auction pool.
If SRH does trade him, it could prove mutually beneficial — Shami gets a fresh start, and SRH can reinvest in younger talent. A change of environment, much like his move to the Gujarat Titans in 2022, could reignite his motivation and form.
Delhi Capitals’ Strong Pursuit and Sourav Ganguly’s Endorsement
Among the frontrunners, the Delhi Capitals are pushing hard to sign Shami. Their bowling unit has shown flashes of brilliance but has lacked reliability in clutch moments. Shami’s arrival could bring the much-needed balance between aggression and control, especially in death overs.
Adding momentum to the speculation, Delhi Capitals’ mentor Sourav Ganguly recently praised Shami’s enduring skillset. Ganguly stated, “I see no reason why Shami can’t continue playing all formats. His skill and experience are exceptional.” His words hint at Delhi’s strong interest and confidence in the veteran’s abilities.
If the deal materializes, Shami would form a formidable pace trio alongside Anrich Nortje and Khaleel Ahmed, blending raw pace with swing and tactical experience. His inclusion would also give Delhi greater flexibility in bowling combinations and provide leadership depth. For a team often on the verge of greatness, Shami might just be the missing piece that helps them go all the way.
Lucknow Super Giants Eye Leadership and Experience
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are another franchise keen to secure Shami’s services. With injuries to key pacers like Mark Wood and inconsistent performances from others, LSG’s bowling attack struggled for stability last season. The management believes Shami’s experience and composure could bring the structure and leadership their young lineup desperately needs.
Shami’s calm presence, tactical sharpness, and mastery in high-pressure scenarios make him the ideal senior pro to mentor emerging bowlers such as Mohsin Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq. Pairing him with these youngsters could give LSG the flexibility to execute varied bowling strategies across different match conditions.
For a franchise still chasing its first IPL title, adding a proven performer like Shami could be a game-changing move. His mentorship and consistency could help transform Lucknow from contenders to serious title threats.
Shami’s Fitness and Comeback Story
After missing the entire IPL 2024 season due to injury, questions about Shami’s fitness surfaced among fans and critics. But the Bengal pacer made a roaring comeback in domestic cricket. Representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets in three matches, demonstrating that his rhythm and pace remain intact.
This resurgence has reassured IPL franchises that Shami is still capable of performing at the highest level. In fact, his absence from India’s national setup could turn into an advantage — a rested, motivated, and fully fit Shami might be even more dangerous in 2026.
Ongoing discussions between Shami and the national selectors have stirred debate, but voices like Ganguly’s continue to support his potential return to all formats. For IPL franchises, this combination of fitness, motivation, and experience makes him one of the most appealing players in the trade window.
A Three-Way Tug of War for the Veteran Pacer
The IPL 2026 trade window has evolved into an intense three-way battle between SRH, LSG, and DC, each offering distinct advantages. Delhi offers familiarity and stability, Lucknow promises leadership and mentoring opportunities, while Hyderabad presents continuity. Much depends on SRH’s final decision — whether to retain or cash in.
If no agreement is reached, releasing Shami into the auction could trigger one of the fiercest bidding wars in IPL history. Reports suggest that Shami’s personal preference may also influence the outcome. The pacer values an environment where his experience is respected and where he can play a leadership role — factors that could tilt the balance toward Delhi or Lucknow.
No matter which franchise he joins, one thing is certain — Mohammed Shami’s name will dominate IPL 2026 headlines until the trade window closes.
What Makes Mohammed Shami a Timeless IPL Asset
Despite the ever-changing dynamics of T20 cricket, Shami remains a timeless performer. Here’s why franchises continue to pursue him:
- Powerplay Impact: Shami’s ability to swing the new ball and pick early wickets makes him invaluable in the first six overs.
- Death-Over Precision: Years of experience have fine-tuned his yorkers and variations, helping him control high-scoring chases.
- Leadership Quality: His calmness and mentorship inspire younger bowlers, improving overall team discipline.
- Consistency Across Conditions: Whether in dry Indian pitches or under lights, Shami adapts effortlessly.
- Mental Toughness: Few bowlers handle pressure as efficiently as Shami, often turning games with his precision and temperament.
In essence, Shami isn’t just a bowler — he’s a complete professional package that brings value both on and off the field.
Conclusion
As the IPL 2026 trade window heats up, Mohammed Shami stands as one of the league’s most valuable and talked-about players. His experience, bowling intelligence, and renewed physical fitness make him a top priority for teams seeking balance and stability in their pace attack.
Whether he stays with SunRisers Hyderabad or joins Delhi Capitals or Lucknow Super Giants, Shami’s impact on the IPL landscape remains undeniable. His journey from injury setbacks to reclaiming the spotlight as the top trade target of IPL 2026 epitomizes perseverance and professionalism.
In a league where youth and innovation often dominate headlines, Mohammed Shami reminds everyone that class, skill, and experience never fade — they only grow stronger with time.
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