Ace Indian pacer Mohammed Shami predicted the final four teams in this year’s IPL 2026 and did not hesitate to place his own side above all. He also reflected on his remarkable journey and his bond with legendary cricketer Virat Kohli in his conversation with Podcast host Shubhankar Mishra.
Mohammed Shami has been picked in the mini-auction following his poor patch in the last season of the IPL. SRH showed no interest in having the pacer back, who gave away runs at a terrible economy and could only manage some consolation wickets.
However, despite his promising performances in the domestic season, which included all-format excellence in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, Shami was traded for the same whopping price of INR 10 crores.
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Mohammed Shami picks final 4 teams for IPL 2026 playoffs
In the podcast, Mohammed Shami was asked to pick his final four teams in the competition. The Indian cricketer did not hesitate to name his own side as one of the top four teams in the competition.
Shami went on to pick Lucknow Super Giants, his former side, Kolkata Knight Riders, and another one from his former franchise, the Punjab Kings. He said that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are playing promisingly and can be one of the top four teams.
The Lucknow team failed to advance to the competition’s playoffs over the last two seasons after they qualified for two promising seasons after their debut in 2022. They have missed a playoff spot since 2024.
Mohammed Shami’s honest take on the bond with Virat Kohli
The podcast host, Subhankar Mishra, pointed out that there are many Virat Kohli photos in Shami’s house, which he saw the last time he visited his home. Addressing that, Shami claimed that those are memories.
He said, “Wo dosti hai, pyaar hai (That’s friendship and love). They are the best memories in my life that will not come back; they are the best times I have spent in my life.” He then revealed that he had just sent those pictures for trial, and the creator painted them all.
Shami has reached the twilight of his career, and his chance of an international comeback is dim. The cricketer announced that he wishes to make a memoir of all his best moments throughout his career.
Mohammed Shami’s homecoming for LSG in IPL 2026
Mohammed Shami has been part of the IPL since 2013, when he made his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Bengal pacer has surprisingly never played for the Knight Riders during his prime; however, his campaigns in the IPL have largely been affected due to injuries.
Shami has played for five different IPL franchises, with the most time spent at the Delhi Capitals between 2014 and 2018. Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, picked him for some successful seasons till 2021, before he moved to the Gujarat Titans.
Under the Titans, he also finished as one of the highest wicket-takers in a season. Following a poor season for SRH, Shami was released and has now been picked to play for the Lucknow Super Giants. This is the first time the 35-year-old will play for a UP-based side. He who belongs to Amroha will play for the Lucknow-based franchise.
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