Former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Dale Steyn opined that Mohammed Shami’s release from the side before IPL 2026 could very well be a possibility. His remarks come a day ahead of the retention deadline for the franchises and at a time when reports have also claimed that DC and LSG are interested in the pacer. Steyn recalled that he had once begged the SRH management to get Shami when he was the coach while also adding that his recent form indicates that a release is imminent.
Shami to be released from SRH?
Speaking on JioHotstar during lunch on IND vs SA 1st Test, Steyn revealed that he had once pleaded with the SRH management to acquire the services of Shami when he was the coach. The former South African pacer said that it would be a disappointment if the team released him before IPL 2026. Steyn opined that form and fitness mattered a lot when it comes to a player featuring in IPL, adding that Shami seemed to be struggling at present.
“When I was the bowling coach of SRH, I said ‘please, can we somehow get Mohammed Shami?’ And the moment I wasn’t the coach, they got him,” Steyn said, adding, “I would be disappointed if they lost him. If Shami is fit and firing, he will make any team. But if he’s struggling… teams would say there are other players. You were good a year and a half ago, but not right now. That release might happen,” Steyn said.
The West Bengal pacer, who was bought for Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, managed to take 6 wickets from 9 matches. Subsequently, he was left out of the Indian Test team and the white-ball formats as well. A report claims that while Shami could be released to the auction pool, a one-way trade deal, which would mean an all-cash deal, is likely to take place for the pacer.
