Lucknow: In an otherwise disappointing IPL 2026 season for Lucknow Super Giants, a story of resilience and mentorship has emerged as a rare positive. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami played a crucial role in helping teammate Mohsin Khan overcome injury fears and rediscover confidence on the field.
Led by Rishabh Pant, LSG have struggled this season, managing just two wins in eight matches and languishing at the bottom of the table. However, the performances of Shami and Mohsin have offered hope amid the setbacks.
From fear to fighting fit
Mohsin’s journey back to competitive cricket has been anything but easy. In 2022, he suffered a serious shoulder injury that nearly ended his career. Just as he began recovering, another setback followed in 2025 with a calf injury.
The physical toll was matched by mental challenges. When Mohsin returned to the LSG camp, he lacked confidence in his body.
Shami revealed just how difficult that phase was.
“When he came, it was a very difficult time. He was so afraid that he couldn’t even walk or run.”
The fear of re-injury had left Mohsin hesitant to even jog, having only recently discarded his crutches.
Shami’s mentorship proves vital
Despite dealing with his own injury concerns and absence from the national side, Shami stepped in to guide the young pacer.
He allowed Mohsin to use his training equipment and worked closely with him during recovery sessions. More importantly, he offered reassurance — both technical and emotional.
“I asked him, ‘What are you afraid of?’… I told him to keep going unless he feels discomfort. Otherwise, we could go back by five or six months,” Shami explained.
By coordinating with medical staff and encouraging gradual progress, Shami helped Mohsin rebuild trust in his body.
Within just a few days, Mohsin began jogging and catching again — small but significant steps in his comeback journey.
Reward for perseverance
Mohsin’s hard work and determination have started to pay off this season. One of his standout performances came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he claimed a five-wicket haul — a remarkable achievement considering his recent struggles.
The IPL 2026 mini auction had already shown faith in him, with LSG retaining him for Rs 4 crore. His performances have justified that investment.
Reflecting on his journey, Mohsin acknowledged Shami’s influence.
“Shami bhai helped me a lot… People expect to see me the way I was before the surgery, so that’s my goal.”
A silver lining for LSG
While LSG’s campaign appears headed towards an early exit, stories like Mohsin’s offer a glimpse of the team’s future potential.
For Shami, the role of mentor adds another dimension to his career — proving that impact in cricket goes beyond personal performance.
More than just cricket
Mohsin’s comeback is not just about wickets or statistics. It is about overcoming fear, rebuilding confidence, and the importance of support systems in professional sport.
In a season filled with losses, this partnership between Shami and Mohsin stands out as a reminder that success is not always measured on the points table — sometimes, it lies in the battles won off the field.
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