IPL 2026: Mohammed Shami gets KL Rahul in First Ball on LSG Debut, Creates New Record

In the IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Ekana Stadium, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami made a memorable debut for his new franchise.

Bowling the first over of the innings, the experienced seamer struck immediately with a full outswinger, inducing a thick edge from KL Rahul that was caught at deep backward point for a golden duck, thus getting a wicket in the first delivery for his new team.

Shami finished with impressive figures of 4 overs, 0 maidens, 28 runs, and 1 wicket at an economy of 7.00, showcasing sharp movement, short balls, and control in the powerplay and middle overs.

Shami joined LSG ahead of the 2026 season via a high-profile all-cash trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹10 crore, the same fee at which SRH had acquired him in the 2025 mega auction. The move bolsters LSG's pace battery alongside talents like Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje, and Mohsin Khan, under captain Rishabh Pant. At 35, the Bengal express brings vast experience (over 130 IPL wickets in 119+ matches) and leadership to a side aiming for playoff glory after recent struggles.

After a disappointing 2025 IPL with SRH (just 6 wickets in 9 games), Shami has reignited hopes with strong domestic showings, including 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Mohammed Shami at Top with First Ball Wickets

Mohammed Shami, with the KL Rahul wicket, now leads the charts for most wickets on the very first ball of an innings in IPL history. The Bengal pacer has achieved it five times, including dismissing KL Rahul twice.

Wickets on the 1st ball of an innings for Mohammed Shami in IPL

vs DC, Today - KL Rahul
vs CSK, 2025 - Shaik Rasheed
vs DC, 2023 - Phil Salt
vs LSG, 2022 - KL Rahul
vs KKR, 2014 - Jacques Kallis

(Courtesy: Cricviz)