2 North Indian Teams After Mohammed Shami Trade From SRH: Report

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In what could become one of the biggest transfer stories ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are reportedly in talks with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for an all-cash deal to acquire veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.

According to a Cricbuzz report, SRH are currently assessing their options, with a one-way trade appearing more likely than releasing the 35-year-old to the auction pool. The Hyderabad franchise had secured Shami for ₹10 crore at the previous mega auction in Jeddah, but his performance failed to match expectations.

He managed just six wickets in the 2025 season at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23 - far below his career standards.

Persistent fitness concerns have also hampered Shami's recent form, leading to a rift with BCCI selectors over his workload management. Despite the setbacks, his pedigree as one of India's finest seamers remains unquestioned. Before joining SRH, Shami had been in sensational form with the Gujarat Titans, claiming 20 and 28 wickets in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons respectively, leading the attack with precision and consistency.

Teams pursuing him know they are investing in a proven match-winner - but also one who hasn't played much competitive cricket in recent months. Nevertheless, Delhi Capitals' global director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, continues to back the senior pacer's quality and fitness.

"Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he's won Bengal on his own," Ganguly told PTI earlier this week. "I don't see any reason why he can't keep playing across formats for India - his skill is enormous," he added.

Shami has been impressive in domestic cricket, picking up 15 wickets in three Ranji games for Bengal this season. However, with India's Test captain Shubman Gill hinting at "planning ahead" in his recent comments, it appears the national team is slowly preparing for life beyond Shami - even as IPL franchises line up for his signature.