Mohammed Shami Shines in IPL 2026 Opener as Delhi Capitals Triumph

Delhi Capitals Secure Victory in IPL 2026 Opener

New Delhi [India] - On April 2, the Delhi Capitals (DC) kicked off their IPL 2026 journey with a convincing six-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). A highlight of the match was Mohammed Shami's impressive debut performance for LSG, which caught the attention of former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara.

Pujara expressed optimism about Shami's potential comeback, noting that he is successfully translating his domestic success into the IPL. During an interview on Star Sports, he remarked, “Shami has been actively participating in domestic cricket over the past year, showcasing strong performances. His display against Delhi marks the start of his redemption journey.”

LSG, batting first, struggled and were dismissed for 141 runs, with seamers Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan each claiming three wickets. DC, led by Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70, comfortably chased down the target, securing two points in their opening match.

Shami made an immediate impact by taking a wicket on the first ball of DC's innings, dismissing opener KL Rahul, who was caught by Mohsin Khan at deep point. Pujara praised Shami's strategy, stating, “He anticipated Rahul's tendency to play the inside-out shot and bowled a wide delivery, leading to the catch.”

At 35, Shami has been a key player for the Gujarat Titans, contributing to their title win and runner-up finishes in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. After missing the 2024 season due to injury, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 and is now making his mark with LSG.

Pujara emphasized the significance of Shami's performance in IPL 2026, stating, “This season is crucial for him, and his strong start against DC indicates his determination. Although his figures were 1 for 28, Shami played a vital role in establishing a solid foundation for his team during the powerplay.”