Shami and Mohsin Khan Lead LSG's Bowling Revival with 16 Wickets Amid Injury Comebacks

Key facts

• Mohammed Shami and Mohsin Khan have taken 16 wickets together in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants.
• Shami returned from an ankle injury sustained after the 2023 World Cup, featuring in the 2025 Champions Trophy but not yet back in the India Blues.
• Mohsin Khan suffered a shoulder injury in 2022 that nearly cost him his hand, and a calf injury last year that made basic movement difficult.
• Mohsin Khan claimed LSG's first five-wicket haul of the season, with figures of 5 for 23 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Shami mentored Mohsin during his recovery, allowing him to use his equipment and encouraging him through fear of movement.
• Prince Yadav has also contributed 13 wickets for LSG, adding to the team's bowling strength despite their bottom-of-table position.
• Sachin Tendulkar hosted LSG players for dinner ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians.
• Shami received a 'ChatGPT IQ Award' in the LSG dressing room after an 'obstructing the field' dismissal against Kolkata Knight Riders.

A Tale of Two Comebacks

Mohammed Shami knows the anatomy of a career-threatening injury. After damaging his ankle following the 2023 World Cup, the 35-year-old pacer endured a grueling rehabilitation process, regaining match fitness before returning to the Indian team for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Yet he has not been recalled to the India Blues since. His Lucknow Super Giants teammate Mohsin Khan found himself at a similar crossroads. In 2022, a shoulder injury nearly cost him his hand. Last year, a calf injury sidelined him, making even basic movement a challenge. A year later, he has turned his fortunes around, claiming LSG's first five-wicket haul of the IPL 2026 season.

The Mentor and the Protégé

Mohsin's resurgence owes much to Shami, whom he calls his “big brother.” When Mohsin arrived for pre-season training, he was still on crutches and afraid to walk or run. Shami recalled: “I asked him, ‘What are you afraid of?’ He said ‘I just got my crutches removed, so I am not getting the confidence to jog comfortably.’” Shami consulted doctors and assured Mohsin: “Don’t worry. Even if something little happens, you’ll get to know. As long as he’s here, let him be. Within 3-4 days, he started catching and jogging. Told him to stop whenever he feels even the slightest discomfort. But till that happens, you keep at it. Otherwise, we’ll go back by 5-6 months.” “It had been almost 14-15 months since the operation. Shami bhai helped me a lot there. I would use all his equipment. He supported me a lot. People expect to see me the way I was before the surgery, so that’s my goal,” said an emotional Mohsin.

Bright Spots in a Gloomy Campaign

LSG are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, but Shami and Mohsin have provided rare positives. Together, they have taken 16 wickets in the tournament. Mohsin has outshone Shami with nine wickets to Shami's seven, and Prince Yadav has added 13 wickets, making the bowling attack formidable despite the team's struggles. Mohsin's best performance came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he returned figures of 5 for 23 after bowling a maiden and dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cheaply against Rajasthan Royals. The five-wicket haul was LSG's first of the season.

Off-Field Moments and Recognition

Ahead of LSG's match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar hosted the Lucknow Super Giants players for dinner, a gesture that went viral on social media. In another off-field episode, Shami received the 'ChatGPT IQ Award' in the LSG dressing room following a loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, after he was dismissed for obstructing the field. The award, a light-hearted recognition, highlighted the ongoing row over the dismissal.

The Road Ahead for Shami and Mohsin

Shami's return to full fitness has not yet earned him a place in the Indian national team, but his form in the IPL keeps him in contention. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly urged selectors to bring Shami back into the national setup, speaking in Kolkata ahead of the LSG vs KKR clash. For Mohsin, the goal is clear: “People expect to see me the way I was before the surgery, so that’s my goal.” With Shami's guidance and his own determination, he is steadily rebuilding his career. The duo's partnership, both on and off the field, remains a compelling narrative in a season where LSG have little else to celebrate.

The bottom line

• Shami and Mohsin have taken 16 wickets together for LSG in IPL 2026, despite the team's poor performance.
• Both pacers overcame serious injuries: Shami an ankle injury after the 2023 World Cup, Mohsin a shoulder injury in 2022 and a calf injury in 2023.
• Shami mentored Mohsin during his recovery, allowing use of his equipment and providing emotional support.
• Mohsin claimed LSG's first five-wicket haul of the season, with 5 for 23 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Sourav Ganguly has called for Shami's return to the Indian national team.
• Sachin Tendulkar hosted LSG players for dinner ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians.