In the IPL 2026 clash between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), LSG faced a six-wicket defeat at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After opting to bat first, LSG was dismissed for just 141 runs. In the second innings, while defending a target of 142, Lucknow’s ace bowler Mohammed Shami made an immediate impact by dismissing DC’s KL Rahul with the very first ball he bowled. Shami ended the match with impressive figures of one wicket for 28 runs across four overs.
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara lauded Shami’s performance, emphasizing the significance of this IPL season for him. “This IPL campaign is crucial for Mohammed Shami, and his opening performance against DC indicates he is serious about making an impact. While his figures may show 1 for 28, it was Shami who set the tone with his early wicket of KL Rahul. Full credit to him,” Pujara remarked.
Delving deeper, Pujara explained Shami’s strategic approach in dismissing Rahul. “He was aware of Rahul’s tendency to play the inside-out shot, so he opted for a wide delivery. Rahul attempted the shot, but it landed straight in the hands of the deep point fielder. Additionally, Shami skillfully controlled the flow of runs by maintaining tight lines, preventing the batters from scoring freely,” he added.
Reflecting on Shami’s recent performances in domestic cricket, Pujara noted that this is merely the start of Shami’s comeback. “Over the past year, Shami has been active in domestic cricket across various formats, and his performances have been commendable. He is now channeling that form into the IPL. This display against Delhi marks the beginning of Mohammed Shami’s journey to redemption,” he concluded.
Following this loss, LSG will prepare to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants: Full Squad
Mitchell Marsh, Mohammed Shami, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anrich Nortje, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Aiden Markram, Avesh Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Himmar Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), M Siddharth, Moshin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Arjun Tendulkar, Akash Singh, Abdul Samad, Arshin Kulkarni, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuvanshi, Mayank Yadav, M Choudhary (WK), Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi.
(With PTI Inputs)