Even at the age of 35, Mohammed Shami continued to make an impact, removing Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head early to give Lucknow Super Giants a strong opening against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.Following a wicket in his first over against the Delhi Capitals, Shami struck in his very first over again, sending Abhishek back for a duck.
The veteran pacer wasn’t slowing down, and in his third over, Shami sent Travis Head packing before he could pose a threat, reducing the home side to 8/2 in 2.1 overs. His brilliance with the ball had commentators celebrating on air, as they couldn’t hide their enthusiasm.
“Foxed by the old fox,” said an Pommie Mbangwa was thrilled after Travis Head was dismissed for just seven off eight balls. Meanwhile, Harsha Bhogle, a prominent Indian commentator, took it a step further by naming Shami the “lead protagonist” in the group of cricketers aiming to make a comeback to India. “Mohammed Shami is the lead protagonist in the point-to-prove XI,” Bhogle remarked.
Lala with the new ball >>>>> pic.twitter.com/Zz7XBJbm5W
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 5, 2026
What’s behind the hype around Shami’s recent form?
Despite his relentless form in domestic cricket across formats, Shami’s consistent performances were often overlooked, as pointed out by Bhogle. Following his impressive 24-wicket haul in the 2023 ODI World Cup, an injury kept him on the sidelines for over a year. He made a return in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, only to find himself sidelined once more.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that Shami’s omission from the Indian team is entirely related to fitness concerns, stating it was a matter of physical readiness.
“I’ve mentioned this before… Selection is not in my control. If there were any fitness concerns, I wouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami told reporters last year before Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand.
He wrapped up with 2 wickets for 9 runs in his four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
As the 2027 ODI World Cup nears, Shami could once again become a key selection debate for the BCCI selectors, provided he puts in a stellar performance during IPL 2026. With three wickets in his first two matches, the pacer has already put his rivals on notice. Social media is already abuzz with growing calls for his recall from India.
“Every wicket taken by Mohammed Shami is a slap to Ajit Agarkar for sidelining him despite his excellent performances in ODIs. Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup and India’s best pacer in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Today, he dismissed KL Rahul, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma regulars in international cricket!” said a user.
Lala with the new ball >>>>> pic.twitter.com/Zz7XBJbm5W
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 5, 2026
Shami be like- Ghayal hun isliye Ghatak hun.🔥🦁
Hopefully the Indian team selection committee is paying attention to this game.😅— Boundary & Beyond Co. (@SrijoyMukherjee) April 5, 2026
everyone spent 6 months debating his fitness. he spent 6 months actually getting fit. different sport.
— Vyrat Koolhi (@unknownmanindia) April 5, 2026
