IPL 2026: Dale Steyn Says He “Begged” SRH to Sign Mohammed Shami Amid Retention Uncertainty

Former South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn has revealed that during his tenure as the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he actively pushed the management to sign Mohammed Shami, calling him one of the finest pace assets in the league. Steyn worked with SRH between 2021 and 2024, coinciding with Shami’s peak years, including his Purple Cap-winning IPL 2023 season.

Shami was eventually bought by SRH for ₹10 crore at the mega auction, but the move did not deliver the expected impact. The veteran pacer struggled with rhythm and recurring fitness issues throughout IPL 2025, finishing with just six wickets in nine matches. With the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaching, speculation is mounting around Shami’s future, with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants reportedly exploring a potential trade.

Speaking on Star Sports during the first Test, Steyn admitted he would be disappointed if SRH decide to part ways with the India star but acknowledged that IPL teams often prioritise fitness and momentum when making retention decisions.

Steyn said:

“When I was SRH bowling coach, I kept saying—please, can we get Mohammed Shami somehow? And the moment I stepped away, they got him. So, yes, I would be disappointed if they release him.”

He added that while Shami, at full fitness, is an automatic pick for any IPL side, recent injury breaks may push franchises to look elsewhere.

“If Shami is fit and firing, he walks into any team. But if he’s had time off and isn’t at his best, some teams may say they need someone fully ready right now. That’s just the nature of the IPL.”

Steyn candidly admitted that three years ago, he was “begging” SRH to acquire Shami—underscoring the pacer’s immense value during his prime form.

Despite challenges in the previous IPL season, Shami has shown promising signs in domestic cricket, taking 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches, boosting hopes of a strong comeback.

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, all eyes are now on SRH’s retention list—particularly whether the franchise opts to back Shami or explores a fresh bowling direction.Former South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn has revealed that during his tenure as the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he actively pushed the management to sign Mohammed Shami, calling him one of the finest pace assets in the league. Steyn worked with SRH between 2021 and 2024, coinciding with Shami’s peak years, including his Purple Cap-winning IPL 2023 season.

Shami was eventually bought by SRH for ₹10 crore at the mega auction, but the move did not deliver the expected impact. The veteran pacer struggled with rhythm and recurring fitness issues throughout IPL 2025, finishing with just six wickets in nine matches. With the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaching, speculation is mounting around Shami’s future, with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants reportedly exploring a potential trade.

Speaking on Star Sports during the first Test, Steyn admitted he would be disappointed if SRH decide to part ways with the India star but acknowledged that IPL teams often prioritise fitness and momentum when making retention decisions.

Steyn said:

“When I was SRH bowling coach, I kept saying—please, can we get Mohammed Shami somehow? And the moment I stepped away, they got him. So, yes, I would be disappointed if they release him.”

He added that while Shami, at full fitness, is an automatic pick for any IPL side, recent injury breaks may push franchises to look elsewhere.

“If Shami is fit and firing, he walks into any team. But if he’s had time off and isn’t at his best, some teams may say they need someone fully ready right now. That’s just the nature of the IPL.”

Steyn candidly admitted that three years ago, he was “begging” SRH to acquire Shami—underscoring the pacer’s immense value during his prime form.

Despite challenges in the previous IPL season, Shami has shown promising signs in domestic cricket, taking 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches, boosting hopes of a strong comeback.

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, all eyes are now on SRH’s retention list—particularly whether the franchise opts to back Shami or explores a fresh bowling direction.