If SRH Release Mohammed Shami, These 3 Teams Should Target Him at IPL 2026 Auction

Mohammed Shami made a strong comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after missing the 2024 season because of ankle and heel injuries. He had two great years with the Gujarat Titans (GT), and during the mega auction, his price shot up to ₹10 crore before he was picked by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).

But things didn’t go as planned. Returning after a long break, Shami struggled to find his old form. The 2025 IPL turned out to be his toughest season yet, he managed to take only six wickets in nine matches and gave away runs at an economy rate of 11.23, the worst of his career. His pace and accuracy weren’t the same, the yorkers were missing, and he often looked off his rhythm.

Because of his dip in form, SRH had to rely on younger bowlers like Ehsan Malinga and Simarjeet Singh. At 35, Shami seems to be battling both form and fitness, and he doesn’t quite look like the bowler he once was. Now, what will Shami’s future hold if SRH actually decides not to retain him ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15? Well, there could be many takers for the experienced pacer and let’s have a look below.

Another team that struggled with their fast bowlers is the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Among all ten IPL teams last season, RR’s pace attack had the worst record. Their fast bowlers gave away an average of 44.55 runs for every wicket, which is almost twice as bad as Mumbai Indians (24.93). The main reason was that Jofra Archer was hot and cold.

Tushar Deshpande, picked for Rs 6.50 crore, had a mediocre season. Sandeep Sharma, the ageing T20 specialist, didn’t inspire as well. Also, RR didn’t have a single pace-bowling all-rounder, the mere reason why they are adamant on having Sam Curran from CSK. That is why Mohammed Shami could be ideal for the Kumar Sangakkara-coached side. He will add that experience and would spearhead the attack alongside other important pieces.

Here comes the team where Mohammed Shami made his IPL debut, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The team would love to have the local player, who knows the Eden Gardens very well. Shami plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and has been in great form this season. It is not just that but KKR lacked a renowned Indian pacer. Yes, they have Harshit Rana but even he needs to be guided.

At IPL 2025, KKR pacers leaked runs at an alarming rate of 10.71, the second-worst among all ten teams. While KKR are tinkering on Umran Malik’s retention, they would like SRH to release Shami so that they rack him up. KKR would be having a great purse with themselves if they opt to release their Rs 23.75 crore batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are making big news in the trade window with a possible player swap with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Reports say Sanju Samson might join CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran could leave. However, just like last year, CSK’s fast-bowling attack remains a weak point. Matheesha Pathirana (Rs 13 crore) is on a massive paycheque and has failed to deliver.

Khaleel Ahmed had a productive season. While the likes of Anshul Kamboj and Gurjapneet Singh are there, CSK need experience, and not many have that other than Shami. Watching Shami in the yellow of CSK would definitely be interesting.