"They needed a backup for Mayank Yadav" - Former Indian opener's massive claim on LSG's IPL 2026 retention move

Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth backed the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for trading in veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The 35-year-old endured a dismal 2025 season with SRH, finishing with only six wickets in nine outings at an average of over 56 and an economy of 11.23.

Despite being priced at ₹10 crore, LSG were willing to go all in on Shami, given their bowling struggles in IPL 2025. The franchise finished seventh on the points table with only six wins in 14 games.

Talking about LSG's trade for Shami on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (8:24):

"Mayank Yadav was unfit last year. So they needed a backup for Mayank Yadav and they needed experience. Shami might not be at his best now but he's still a good bowler. He'll bowl with fire now because he's a hardworking cricketer. So he won't let go and will want to prove he's still good. He won't worry about the money. I am sure he'll do well. So it's a good buy for LSG."

The former opener also backed LSG persisting with speedster Mayank Yadav, saying:

"They were struggling in the bowling department as Mayank Yadav was constantly unfit. But I'll still back Mayank Yadav. Because the matches he has played, he has won them several games. You must encourage such cricketers. India also needs fast bowlers like him if he can come back to normal fitness and bowl at 145-148, he'll be a match-winner for you."

Mayank Yadav was retained by LSG ahead of IPL 2026 auction for ₹11 crores despite him playing only a total of six matches across the last two seasons.

"They'll have to only focus on the bowling" - Kris Srikkanth on LSG's IPL 2026 auction plans

Kris Srikkanth advised LSG to focus only on bowlers in the 2026 IPL auction next month. The former captain also urged skipper Rishabh Pant to use left-arm spinner Siddharth Manimaran regularly next season.

"They'll have to only focus on the bowling. Thats why they've traded for Mohammed Shami. Rishabh Pant should play Siddharth Manimaran regularly in the 11. He'll do well. Their batting is fully set," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

Despite being part of LSG for the previous two seasons, Siddharth has played only five matches with three wickets to his name.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran