Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has had an illustrious career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing his skills across multiple franchises. Known for his lethal yorkers and pace variations, Mohammed Shami has not only been a mainstay in the Indian national team but also a sought-after asset in the IPL.
Mohammed Shami first caught the IPL’s eye when he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2011. His debut season was modest, but his potential was evident through his ability to bowl at the death and his knack for picking up crucial wickets, Over the next few years with KKR.
After a successful stint with KKR, Shami’s journey took him to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2014. Here, although he played a handful of matches, he continued to demonstrate his value as a bowler, adapting to different conditions and match scenarios. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his consistent line and length made him a tough bowler to face.
In 2018, Mohammed Shami moved to the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), where he was part of a bowling attack that needed his seasoned experience. His performance during this period was marked by his ability to bowl in high-pressure situations. However, his stint with Punjab was relatively short, and he returned to Delhi Capitals in 2019, where he had one of his best seasons, taking 19 wickets in 14 matches, showcasing his prowess and reliability.
The turning point in Shami’s IPL journey came in 2022 when he was signed by the Gujarat Titans. Here, Mohammed Shami found new heights, becoming the leading wicket-taker of the season with 20 wickets in 16 matches, playing a significant role in Gujarat Titans’ maiden IPL title win. His performances were not just about wickets but also about setting the tone for the innings, often bowling economically and taking early wickets.
Fast forward to the IPL 2025 auction, a new chapter was added to Shami’s IPL saga when he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a staggering Rs. 10 crore. This move underscores SRH’s strategy to bolster their bowling attack with experienced international players. Shami’s acquisition was seen as a strategic move to bring in a bowler who could both open the bowling and be effective in the death overs. This was highlighted in posts on X where fans and analysts alike discussed the implications of this purchase on SRH’s performance in the upcoming season.
Moreover, in an unexpected turn of events, SRH managed to secure another deal where they bought Mohammed Shami for an additional Rs. 10 Crore, further demonstrating their commitment to building a formidable pace attack. This double investment in Mohammed Shami speaks volumes about the team’s vision and expectations from him in the IPL 2025 season.
Shami’s journey through the IPL has been one of evolution and adaptation. From his early days with KKR to his recent acquisitions by SRH, he has shown cricket fans and analysts alike how a player can remain relevant and impactful across different teams and seasons. His career in the IPL serves as a testament to his skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure, attributes that any IPL team would covet.
As we look forward to the IPL 2025, Mohammed Shami, now with SRH, is poised to add another chapter to his already rich IPL narrative. Will he be able to replicate or even surpass his performance with Gujarat Titans? Only time will tell, but the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable.
Mohammed Shami’s IPL journey has been diverse, marked by significant achievements and contributions to each team he has represented. His latest move to SRH for such a significant sum not only reflects his current market value but also the high expectations placed on him for the upcoming season. The cricket world watches eagerly to see how this seasoned campaigner will fare in his new orange jersey.
