Kavya Maran’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) reacted to the high-profile trade deal involving the veteran Indian pacer Muhammad ShamiSuper Giants (LSG) heading to Lucknow, ahead of IPL 2026. The trade marks a significant shift in SRH’s squad strategy as they look to rebuild their squad after a mixed performance in IPL 2025.
SRH’s strategic decision to trade Mohammad Shami
Shami, who was one of SRH’s costliest buys in the IPL at INR 10 crore, has shown encouraging signs of impressive performances in the ongoing Ranji trophy, taking only six wickets in 9 matches with an economy rate and impact in the last IPL season. However, the SRH management has decided to release LSG and squad slots, which is likely to free up funds and squad slots for an effective rebuild ahead of IPL 2026.
Reacting to the trade, SRH wrote: “Your memories in the Orange Jersey will be cherished forever. Thank you,
@Mdshami11. “
Your memories of 🧡 will be cherished forever ✨
thank you @Mdshami1111 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4zd2ihqlrf
– Sunrisers Hyderabad (@sunrisers) November 15, 2025
Read: IPL 2026 Trade – Sanju Samson moves to CSK; Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran swap to Rajasthan Royals
LSG’s interest in Shami and the trade deal
Lucknow Super giants have acquired Shami to bolster their PACE attack. The trade was an all-cash deal without any player swaps, allowing SRH to share a significant purse to use in the IPL 2026 auction.
Despite the trade, Shami remains one of the most experienced and powerful fast bowlers in IPL history with over 130 wickets. Strong domestic form hints at a possible return to IPL glory with LSG.
Tezi Bhi, Junoon Bhi, now Shami Bhai has the color of LSG pic.twitter.com/e5nko7hdeo
– Lucknow Super Giants (@Lucknowipl) November 15, 2025
Kavya Maran’s vision for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Under the leadership of Kavya Mara, SRH seems focused on rebuilding the team with a balanced mix of young talent and experienced players. The trade shows Mara’s willingness to make tough calls by dealing in expensive, disruptive ways to dynamically strengthen and realign his staff. Emphasis on acquiring new players in the auction makes this approach to improve overall team efficiency and competitiveness in IPL 2026.
Read: Triite Zinta’s Punjab Kings, Ways With Glenn Maxwell Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
