"It was a smart move by Hyderabad" - Mohammed Kaif lauds SRH for picking veteran Indian pacer in IPL 2025 squad

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a great decision by roping in Mohammed Shami at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. The 2016 champions acquired the veteran Indian pacer's services for ₹10 crore.

Shami missed the previous edition of the IPL due to an injury. The bowler has been on the sidelines since the 2023 ODI World Cup, as he underwent Achilles tendon surgery.

Kaif reckoned that Shami was a wonderful addition to the SRH lineup. Praising the Hyderabad think tank for the move, the cricketer-turned-commentator said in a video shared on his Instagram account:

"It was a smart move by Hyderabad. They knew Mohammed Shami's worth and picked him at ₹10 crore. They know what Shami can do with the white ball, irrespective of the format."

Much to the delight of Indian fans, Shami is set to play for India after a lengthy hiatus. The ace speedster will be in action in the upcoming five-match home T20I series against England, beginning January 22. Expressing his delight at the seamer's comeback, Kaif remarked:

"There is a celebratory atmosphere as Mohammed Shami has returned. We couldn't win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in his absence. Had Mohammed Shami been there with Jasprit Bumrah, maybe the story would have been different. We dearly missed him. He is a genuine wicket-taker."

Mohammed Shami enjoyed an imperious run at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The 34-year-old was the leading wicket-taker of the edition, bagging 24 scalps in just seven outings. His return is an ominous sign for the Men in Blue ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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"He is consistently ignored at the start and is picked as a back-up" - Mohammad Kaif on Mohammed Shami

In the aforementioned video, Mohammad Kaif pointed out how Mohammed Shami hasn't been a sure starter in India's white-ball teams in recent years. He said many cricket experts were surprised to see the fast bowler being benched for the initial matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Shami was overlooked at the start of the ICC event. He was added to the starting lineup after all-rounder Hardik Pandya injured his ankle against Bangladesh. Speaking about the seasoned campaigner's case, Kaif said:

"His story is very different. He is consistently ignored at the start and is picked as a back-up. He contributed significantly in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He wasn't in the playing XI in the initial matches. We were there in the commentary box and discussed many times about why he wasn't playing. He was then played out of compulsion."

Shami has played three matches for Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 and claimed five wickets. He also featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, where he picked up 11 wickets across nine matches.