Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra He has expressed concern over Mohammed Shami not getting recognition despite the fast bowler's consistent good performances for his new team Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.
Shami, who has been out of the national team race for the past few years, has delivered impressive spells this season while playing a vital role with the ball. However, Chopra believes that the experienced seamer does not get the appreciation he deserves for his efforts.
He said on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', “Are we giving enough credit to Mohammed Shami, and when will we actually give him credit? That's a big question. Why are we not celebrating him? I am the same person who was saying that selectors have to make selections, and if they are not making selections, they would have looked at him, his fitness and whatever.”
This cricketer turned commentator further explained how Shami Despite being absent from the international circuit, he has been quietly going about his business, taking wickets consistently and maintaining control in the toughest T20 league in the world.
He further said, “I had also said that if everyone does this in the IPL, then they have to stand up and take notice. Then you cannot say that the level of the opposition team was not that good. This is the most competitive league in the world. In such a situation, in the afternoon game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he bowled four overs for just nine runs and took two wickets including 18 dot balls.”
Shami's form could play a decisive role for his franchise as the tournament progresses, and as Chopra pointed out, now is the time for the veteran to get the recognition he has long deserved.
Chopra concluded, “He got Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma out. You have to celebrate because that's a one-time analysis in the IPL. Where do you get that kind of analysis again? I know Jacob Duffy bowled very well in the first match, but it was an afternoon game. There was no help for the fast bowlers in the afternoon game and there was no help for them either.”
For those unaware, Shami has been phenomenal for LSG in IPL 2026. In his first two matches, he has taken three wickets, including a brilliant spell of 2/9 in 4 overs against SRH.
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