Mohsin Khan’s Return: How Mohammed Shami’s Training Regimen Saved the LSG Pacer
Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Mohsin Khan has endured a turbulent start to his professional cricket career. After a breakout season in 2022, a devastating sequence of injuries nearly ended his time on the pitch. Operating at peak fitness in the Indian Premier League, the left-arm fast bowler credits his physical revival to strict mentorship from senior India international Mohammed Shami and their shared childhood coach, Badruddin Siddiqui.
Overcoming a Severe Injury Crisis
Mohsin announced himself during the 2022 season, claiming 14 wickets in nine matches with an elite economy rate of 5.97. The performance pushed him into the conversation for national selection. However, a severe shoulder injury sidelined him for an entire year. Mohsin managed a brief comeback in 2023, notably defending 11 runs in the final over against the Mumbai Indians, but physical setbacks continued with a groin strain and a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during a domestic match.
Coach Badruddin Siddiqui noted the physical toll of these injuries. Seeking an intervention, Siddiqui turned to Shami to help rehabilitate Mohsin.
The Sahaspur Alinagar Training Camp
To rebuild his body and bowling mechanics, Mohsin relocated to Shami’s farmhouse in Sahaspur Alinagar. The senior Board of Control for Cricket in India fast bowler identified a major flaw in Mohsin’s training regimen: an over-reliance on weightlifting over functional cricket conditioning.
Siddiqui recalled a definitive conversation between the two players after Mohsin exited the gym. Shami delivered a direct assessment regarding the workout routine.
“Gym se body ban jayegi, bowling nahi” (The gym will build your body, not your bowling), Shami told him.
The advice prompted a complete overhaul of Mohsin’s preparation. Under Shami’s guidance, Mohsin implemented several mechanical and conditioning changes:
- Replaced heavy weightlifting with long-distance running to build endurance.
- Bowled extensive practice spells to develop muscle memory.
- Modified his wrist position to generate better swing.
- Added steps to his run-up to create a smoother approach rhythm.
Mohsin Khan’s IPL Statistics
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 14 | 5.97 | 4/16 |
| 2023 | 5 | 3 | 10.70 | 1/26 |
Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo and the official Indian Premier League records.
A Return to Fielding Fitness
The rigorous ground training yielded direct results upon Mohsin’s return to competitive cricket. During a fixture for the Lucknow Super Giants against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Mohsin demonstrated his renewed physical confidence. While restricting batters like Tristan Stubbs, he executed a full-stretch dive at third man to save two runs.
“If a fast bowler whose career has been marred by injuries is diving in the field, it means just one thing: he is supremely fit,” Siddiqui explained. “He had never dived in his life. The good thing is he is not afraid anymore.”
By replacing gym sessions with targeted cricket conditioning under Shami’s supervision, Mohsin has regained the durability required to compete. He now profiles as one of the few left-arm pacers in the Indian domestic system capable of swinging the ball both ways at high speeds.