Mohammed Shami Question Leaves Rishabh Pant Stumped Before LSG Vs RR IPL 2026 Match

Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]

Rishabh Pant made a huge playing XI call before LSG’s penultimate league match of the IPL 2026 season against the Rajasthan Royals. After losing the toss to home skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, captain Pant stated that senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been dropped from the playing XI.

However, the charismatic wicketkeeper-batter failed to provide a reason after commentator Ian Bishop asked about Shami’s omission at the toss. In fact, Pant appeared momentarily confused before moving on without offering any explanation behind the decision.

Rishabh Pant refuses to explain Mohammed Shami’s exclusion

LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed two changes in the team’s playing XI for the match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Tuesday, May 19. While the skipper stated that Aiden Markram will not be playing the match since he has gone off for personal reasons, Pant straight up refused to provide any explanation for the exclusion of seasoned fast bowler Mohammed Shami.

Also Read- Watch- M Siddharth Plucks A Beauty To Send Abhishek Packing For Duck As Shami Strikes

Moreover, the senior wicketkeeper-batter appeared confused during his interaction with commentator Ian Bishop at the toss, before walking off for the impending fixture.

This is how the absurd conversation unfolded between Pant and Bishop at the toss.

Pant: Shami is not playing, Mohsin is playing

Bishop: What’s the issue with Shami?

Pant: Yeah

Bishop: What’s the issue with Shami?

Pant: Mohsin

Bishop: No, what’s the issue with Shami?

Pant: (seemingly puzzled)

Bishop: Who is out?

Pant: Shami is out, Mohsin is playing

Bishop: Ya, I’m asking…

Pant: Aiden is out, Badoni is in

Bishop: Okay, we can leave it there

Pant: (nods his head)

A season to forget for Mohammed Shami

While Rishabh Pant refrained from elaborating on Mohammed Shami’s omission, the veteran pacer’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign could have influenced the decision behind his exclusion.

Also Read- 0 From CSK, Just 1 From RCB: IPL Team-Wise Players In India Squad For Afghanistan ODIs

Reportedly in contention to make his Team India return, Shami has managed to pick up just 10 wickets in 12 matches this tournament at an expensive average of 41.40. Moreover, the legendary Indian fast bowler is also leaking runs at nearly nine-an-over.

Given his vast experience and stature as one of India’s premier fast bowlers, significantly higher expectations were attached to the veteran heading into the season.

LSG fight on to avoid IPL 2026 wooden spoon

The match against the Rajasthan Royals marks a must-win game for the LSG, in their bid of avoiding the bottom-placed finish this IPL 2026 season. Under the leadership of Pant, the LSG has managed to secure just four wins at an expense of eight defeats from 12 games.

Already out of the season’s playoffs race, a win over the Royals will help LSG lift themselves to number nine on the points table.

Follow RR vs LSG Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash