I am not a machine: Mohammed Shami talks candidly after Hyderabad heroics for LSG

Mohammed Shami credited the grind of domestic cricket and his return to peak fitness for keeping him match-ready, after a decisive spell helped Lucknow Super Giants secure a crucial win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.

In Short

• Mohammed Shami credited domestic cricket and fitness for his match readiness
• Shami took 2 for 9 with 18 dot balls in a sensational bowling display vs SRH
• He praised his bond with coach Bharat Arun and Lucknow team environment

Mohammed Shami said performances can fluctuate as he is “not a machine”, but credited domestic cricket and peak fitness for keeping him match-ready after his decisive spell helped Lucknow Super Giants seal a crucial win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

Shami returned with excellent figures of 2 for 9, including 18 dot balls, removing Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma early to leave Hyderabad struggling on a surface offering grip and little pace. It was a spell built on control and a clear reading of conditions, with Shami relying on subtle variations and changes in pace rather than outright speed.

Despite the impact of his performance, Shami was measured in his assessment of his own form, particularly in the context of a difficult IPL 2025 season with Hyderabad, where he managed just six wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 11.23 following his return from injury.

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"I am not a machine. My season can go up and down," Shami said. "I have performed well in the last few years. People may not have noticed, that's different. But I always try to do well."

The 35-year-old pointed to domestic cricket as a key factor in helping him regain rhythm and sharpness. Rather than limiting himself to marquee tournaments, Shami said he made a conscious effort to stay connected to the game and maintain match fitness.

"If you want to play, it's important to be in touch with the game. If you are fit, only then can you work on your skills. That's why I kept in touch with the game and played all the domestic matches," he said.

That preparation was evident in the way he approached his opening spell in Hyderabad. With the new ball, Shami focused on discipline, keeping his line tight and denying width to two of the most aggressive batters in the competition.

"The pitch was slow, a bit sticky type. But with the new ball, your line and length are very important," he said. "Because we clearly knew that if we give them width or if we give them in the zone, then they will hit both the batsmen hard.

"So it was very important to turn off the pace. And it was very important that they get as little elevation as possible."

Shami said the decision to rely on slower deliveries was not incidental, but part of a broader understanding of the conditions developed over time. Having played at the venue previously during his stint with Hyderabad, he said he had observed how effective changes of pace could be.

"You have to adapt. I was here last year and used a lot of slower ones. Opponents use it a lot, I thought why not us too," he said.

He also highlighted the role of familiarity within the Lucknow set-up in helping him settle quickly. Shami has worked closely with bowling coach Bharat Arun during his time with the Indian team, and said that long-standing relationship has made the transition smoother.

"As far as Bharat bhai is concerned, we have worked together in the Indian team for a long time. We have a good bonding and a good understanding with each other. So it is very important that the players and staff match well," he said.

"And as far as Lucknow is concerned, it is my second home. So it does not take much time to match up."

The win itself carried added significance for Lucknow, who were looking to respond after a setback in their previous match. Shami said the result was important in restoring momentum in a tightly contested tournament.

"I am happy. We lost our last game. Winning this game was key to build momentum," he said.

Beyond the immediate impact, Shami returned to the fundamentals that have underpinned his career, emphasising the importance of both skill and experience at the highest level.

"Without skill or experience, nothing happens," he said.

He also spoke in detail about his own approach to the game, particularly his focus on maximising his strengths with the new ball while continuing to adapt to different match situations.

"See, whether it is IPL or any good platform, you definitely need to work on skill. So now it depends on how hard you are working on the new ball and on the old ball," he said.

"I have always had the strength of the new ball. So I always think about how much benefit I can bring to my team with the new ball, or how much good I can do for the team."

Shami added that execution often comes down to reading the moment and building pressure through consistency.

"It depends on the day. If your day is good and your bowling is going well, then you build pressure. If three balls go well, then you look to put the fourth one quickly if a wicket is coming. That is part of planning," he said.

"But it takes a lot of hard work."

For Shami, the process remains rooted in preparation and faith. Results, he suggested, are shaped by both effort and circumstance.

"I do my work and try to leave the rest to Allah," he said. "Whether it is IPL or any platform, you have to work on your skills. The rest depends on the day."

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