'Gym will build physique not your bowling': How Shami transformed Mohsin Khan into a lethal pacer

New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants may have lost their IPL 2026 campaign opener against the Delhi Capitals, but even in the gloom of defeat, fast bowler Mohsin Khan stood out like a bright ray of hope. Although LSG did not manage to secure victory, Mohsin Khan impressed everyone with his efforts. His coach, Badruddin Siddiqui, is also pleased with him; however, he appeared even more delighted by a specific dive Mohsin executed than by his bowling itself. Furthermore, he revealed how Team India's star pacer Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in helping Mohsin transform into a formidable bowler.

How did Mohsin Khan perform?

In the LSG vs DC match, Mohsin Khan dismissed Delhi's Nitish Rana, while Sameer Rizvi—who was named Player of the Match—also struggled to score runs against him. Rizvi managed to score a mere 2 runs off 10 deliveries against Mohsin. Mohsin conceded only 6 runs across his first three overs, four of which were scored by Tristan Stubbs off six balls. Any coach would be thrilled with such a bowling display, but Badruddin noticed something else entirely.

What did Badruddin say?

Specifically, on the fifth delivery of the 12th over, the 27-year-old cricketer executed a full-stretch dive at the third-man position to save two runs. Mohsin's acrobatic effort was so impressive that it compelled Badruddin to leap off his sofa in excitement. Speaking to the media, Badruddin remarked, "The fear is gone now. If a fast bowler—whose career has been plagued by injuries—is diving on the field, it signifies only one thing: he is extremely fit. He is a magnificent athlete, though these days, young players seem more interested in hitting the gym and posting videos on social media."

How have injuries affected Mohsin Khan's career?

Mohsin Khan, who claimed 14 wickets in 10 matches during the 2022 IPL season, suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him from cricket for an entire year. During that successful 2022 campaign, he maintained an economy rate of under 6. He was on the verge of securing a spot in the Indian national team, but a series of injuries continued to plague him. Following his shoulder injury, he endured a groin injury and subsequently an ACL injury, keeping him away from the sport for a considerable period.

The coach acknowledged that injuries are an occupational hazard for fast bowlers, but noted that Mohsin has been particularly unfortunate. The silver lining is that Mohammed Shami has stood by him; Mohsin currently resides at Mohammed Shami's farmhouse. He even trained alongside Shami during the lockdown—and everyone knows the results he delivered in the 2023 IPL. This observation was made by Badaruddin. The coach stated, "A fast bowler needs to train on the ground. If you are bowling at speeds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour, you absolutely must be out on the field. Bowling skills do not improve in the gym."

Badaruddin has attributed Mohsin Naqvi's injuries to Mohsin himself. He remarked, "It is his own fault. He is a gifted athlete, but young people these days are obsessed with the gym and posting videos on social media."

How did Shami influence Mohsin Khan?

Badaruddin recounted a conversation that took place between Shami and Mohsin following last year's IPL, sharing: "We were having tea at Shami's farmhouse, and Mohsin was just walking out of the gym. I distinctly remember Shami's words: 'Mohsin Miyan, the gym will build your physique, but it won't improve your bowling.'"

Mohsin Khan was left stunned by Shami's blunt assessment. Recalling the moment, Badaruddin recounts, "His jaw dropped. If you aspire to bowl at speeds of 140 km/h, you have to put in the hard work out on the field. The gym simply does not improve your bowling." Mohsin stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, and Badaruddin believes that, compared to Shami, Mohsin's "hard length" delivery tends to trouble batsmen even more quickly.