Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Mohammed Shami will have a great opportunity to prove his mettle in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants. Shami has performed consistently in the domestic circuit for Bengal but he has been continuously ignored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.
Shami didn’t have a great run in IPL 2025, taking six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 56.16 and a high economy rate of 11.23.
However, Shami scalped 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches of the previous season at an average of 16.73 and played a key role in taking Bengal to the semifinal of the tournament.
“What about Mohammad Shami? There have been so many discussions about him not getting a chance to play. He has played everything, and he has done well for Bengal. If you do well on this stage, then no one will question what the selectors feel. As of now, the selectors go and watch, and what they feel is a hypothetical scenario,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra said it would be easy for Shami to make a comeback into the Indian team if he performs in the IPL.
“All of us are wondering what they might be thinking. However, if you do well in the IPL, don’t worry at all. The entire world watches. It’s a great battle in the center of the colosseum, and if you do well here, you can break down the Indian team’s door and enter. I think it’s such a beautiful opportunity for Mohammad Shami,” he added.
The renowned commentator reckons Mayank Yadav can also earn a spot in the Indian team if he proves his fitness in IPL 2026.
“I am thinking about the opportunity for Mayank Yadav. He has played very little, but when he played, he was the Player of the Match in the first two matches. He bowls fast, there are not a lot of people like him, but he is struggling a lot with injuries. If you can bowl close to 150 kph, there will always be a place in the Indian team. You can be picked anytime, provided you remain fit and bowl an entire season,” he observed.
The former KKR batter said the biggest opportunity will be for LSG captain Rishabh Pant, who is the most expensive player in IPL history.
“The biggest opportunity is for Rishabh Pant because this franchise has played a huge punt on you. He is the most expensive player in IPL history. He scored a hundred last time. A little more clarity, form, and rhythm this time, a very big responsibility for the destructive Rishabh Pant,” he said.
LSG will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on 1st April at Lucknow.
