Mohammed Shami is an Indian right-arm fast bowler from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. His career has been built on pace, seam movement and the ability to make the old ball reverse-swing. He became one of India’s most effective big-tournament bowlers, including a 24-wicket run at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Know the player
Mohammed Shami at a glance
- Full name
- Mohammed Shami Ahmed
- Date of birth
- 3 September 1990
- Birthplace
- Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
- Playing role
- Bowler
- Bowling style
- Right-arm fast
- Domestic team
- Bengal
- Test debut
- 6 November 2013
- ODI debut
- 6 January 2013
- IPL team in 2026
- Lucknow Super Giants
Profile updated on 14 October 2026.
Where it began
Early life and first steps
Mohammed Shami was born on 3 September 1990 in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. He later made Bengal his first-class cricket home. The early record is clear about the route he took: domestic cricket first, then India after a strong run with the ball.
His pace stood out, but it was not pace alone. Shami learned to move the new ball and attack the stumps. That foundation would later become a major part of his Test and white-ball success.
The breakthrough
Bengal gave Shami his platform
Shami made his first-class debut for Bengal against Assam at Eden Gardens in November 2010 and took three wickets. He made his List A debut against Orissa in February 2011. His 28 wickets in five matches during the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy helped push him into India’s ODI plans.
That period also brought his first IPL opportunity. Kolkata Knight Riders picked him for the 2011 season, although his first IPL appearance came in 2013. The path was gradual, but the direction was not: Bengal, domestic wickets, then the national side.
International career
From ODI debut to big-match specialist
Mohammed Shami made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Delhi on 6 January 2013. He made his Test debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens in November that year and took nine wickets in the match. His Test bowling showed the same traits that defined his domestic rise: speed, a straight attack and reverse swing when the ball became older.
He became a regular presence in India’s World Cup plans. He took 17 wickets at the 2015 ODI World Cup and 14 in the 2019 tournament. At the 2023 ODI World Cup, he took 24 wickets in seven innings and finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, according to ESPNcricinfo’s career profile.
In the 2025 Champions Trophy, he returned with nine wickets in five matches as India won the tournament.
The franchise journey
IPL teams and the 2026 move
Shami played his first IPL match for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013 before moving to Delhi Daredevils, later Delhi Capitals. He found a stronger IPL rhythm with Punjab Kings from 2019 to 2021, taking 58 wickets in 42 games. Gujarat Titans then signed him for the 2022 season.
Gujarat won the 2022 title, with Shami taking 20 wickets. In 2023, he took 28 wickets as the team reached the final. He missed IPL 2024 after ankle surgery. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction; that was a 2025 auction contract, not a statement about lifetime earnings.
Verified team context · 14 October 2026
ESPNcricinfo reported on 14 November 2025 that Lucknow Super Giants agreed an all-cash trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the existing ₹10 crore fee ahead of IPL 2026. That trade price should not be counted again as a second auction purchase. He joined Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026.
How he bowls
Playing style: pace, seam and reverse swing
Shami is a right-arm fast bowler who can trouble batters with movement from a relatively straight run-up. With the new ball, he looks for seam and late movement. As the ball wears, his reverse swing and full-length attack become important weapons.
His best work often comes in spells rather than through mystery. He attacks the stumps, keeps a busy length and uses pace to turn small errors into wickets. That approach explains why his record has travelled across Tests, ODIs and high-pressure World Cups.
Standout chapters
Major achievements
Taken in seven innings, the highest tournament tally.
His return against West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013.
His best IPL season, for Gujarat Titans.
India’s joint-highest wicket tally in its title-winning campaign, per the franchise profile.
The journey in order
Mohammed Shami career timeline
- 3 September 1990Born in AmrohaBorn in Uttar Pradesh.
- November 2010First-class debutPlayed for Bengal against Assam at Eden Gardens.
- 2011Picked by Kolkata Knight RidersJoined the IPL setup; his first match came in 2013.
- 6 January 2013ODI debutPlayed for India against Pakistan in Delhi.
- November 2013Test debutMade his debut against West Indies and took nine wickets in the match.
- 2022IPL title with Gujarat TitansTook 20 wickets in the team’s first title season.
- 2023World Cup and IPL peakTook 24 ODI World Cup wickets and 28 IPL wickets.
- 2025–2026Sunrisers contract, then Lucknow tradeSRH bought him for ₹10 crore at the 2025 auction; LSG acquired him for the existing fee ahead of IPL 2026.
Quick answers
Mohammed Shami biography FAQs
How old is Mohammed Shami?
He was born on 3 September 1990. He is 36 years old on 14 October 2026.
Where was Mohammed Shami born?
He was born in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh.
When did Mohammed Shami make his India debut?
His ODI debut was against Pakistan in Delhi on 6 January 2013. His Test debut followed against West Indies in November 2013.
Which domestic team does he represent?
He plays first-class cricket for Bengal.
Which IPL team did Mohammed Shami play for in 2026?
He was with Lucknow Super Giants after a trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad. The existing ₹10 crore fee came from his IPL 2025 auction contract.
What is Mohammed Shami’s biggest World Cup achievement?
He took 24 wickets in seven innings at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the tournament’s highest tally.
