Top Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami predicted the last four teams in this year’s IPL 2026 and did not hesitate to put his team on top. He also reflected on his remarkable journey and his bond with legendary cricketer Virat Kohli in conversation with podcast host Shubhankar Mishra.
Mohammed Shami has been selected in the mini-auction after his poor performance in the last season of IPL. SRH showed no interest in bringing back the fast bowler, who gave away runs at a very poor economy and could only take a few consolation wickets.
However, despite his stellar performances in the domestic season, which included excellence across all formats in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, Shami was sold for a whopping Rs 10 crore.
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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 in calling his team one of the top four teams in the competition.
Shami chose Lucknow Super Giants, his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders and his former franchise, Punjab Kings. He said that Royal Challengers Bangalore is playing promisingly and can be one of the top four teams.
The Lucknow team failed to advance to the playoffs of the competition in the last two seasons after qualifying for the season following two promising seasons since its debut in 2022. They have missed a playoff spot since 2024.
Mohammed Shami’s honest opinion on relationship with Virat Kohli
Podcast host Subhankar Mishra told that Shami has many pictures of Virat Kohli in his house, whom he had last seen when he visited his house. Addressing that, Shami claimed that they are memories.
He said, “That’s friendship, that’s love. Those are the best memories of my life that won’t come back; those are the best times I’ve had in my life.” He then revealed that he had sent those pictures for testing and the producer has painted them all.
Shami has reached the final stages of his career and his chances of making a comeback at the international level are slim. The cricketer announced that he wanted to create a memoir of all the best moments from his entire career.
Mohammed Shami returns home for LSG in IPL 2026
Mohammed Shami has been a part of the IPL since 2013, when he made his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders. Surprisingly the Bengal fast bowler never played for the Knight Riders during his tenure; However, his campaign in the IPL has been largely affected due to injuries.
Shami has played for five different IPL franchises, with Delhi Capitals spending the most time between 2014 and 2018. On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab picked him up for a few successful seasons before moving to Gujarat Titans in 2021.
Under the Titans, he also finished as one of the highest wicket-takers in a season. After a poor season for SRH, Shami was released and has now been selected to play for Lucknow Super Giants. This is the first time that the 35-year-old player will play for a UP team. The one who is from Amroha will play for the Lucknow-based franchise.
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