New Delhi: Mohammed Shami used a new variation to claim the wicket of Abhishek Sharma in Lucknow Super Giants‘ victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, disclosed Lucknow Super Giants spin bowling coach Carl Crowe.
Shami dismissed SRH openers Abhishek and Travis Head in a match-turning 2/9 spell, inclusive of 18 dot balls, that enabled LSG to notch up their first win of IPL 2026.
“(Bowling coach) Bharat Arun and Shami worked on a new-ball variation four days before the game. He used that very ball to dismiss Abhishek,” said Crowe, referring to a slower ball bowled wider of the off-stump.
Shami lured Abhishek into a booming drive, resulting in a thick outside edge with M Siddharth completing a comfortable catch at short third man.
“I think for all of us — young and old cricketers — you’re never too old to learn a new skill. The fact that in just four days he picked up that skill, executed it in a match and got a wicket is a testament not only to Bharat’s coaching but also to Mohammed Shami’s mindset,” Crowe said.
“As a senior player, he’s still very willing to develop new skills and push his game forward. That mindset is fantastic.”
‘Pant an empowering leader’
Shami also accounted for Head as SRH struggled to a score of 156/9. LSG won by five wickets as skipper Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten half century.
“I would say he (Pant) definitely empowers his bowlers. He is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and is interested in understanding their perspectives and plans. Personally, I’ve really warmed to him,” Crowe said.
“One thing he does really nicely — it may seem small — is that when he enters the room as captain, he says ‘hello’ to every single person and shakes their hand. As a leader, that makes you feel welcome and that you belong, and I really like that about him.”
“He’s definitely an empowering, players-first type of captain from what I’ve observed so far. Of course, he still guides and offers suggestions when needed.
“As a keeper, it can be difficult at times when you’re 30 yards back to run up to the bowler and give advice, but he has experienced players like Aiden (Markram) and (Nicholas) Pooran around him to help with that.
“I’ve been really impressed with Rishabh. He genuinely wants the team to do well. The other day I heard him say, ‘What else can I do for the team?’ When your leader thinks like that, the players naturally follow,” he added.