11 Shahbaz Ahamad

A versatile left-handed batter and a deceptive slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Shahbaz Ahmed (born December 11, 1994) is a premier all-rounder who has become a “crisis man” for both club and country. Known for his ability to stabilize an innings and deliver crucial breakthroughs with his tight spin, Shahbaz is a tactical asset in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) setup.

As of January 22, 2026, Shahbaz is in peak form in the domestic circuit. He recently made headlines on January 6, 2026, by smashing a career-best 108 against Hyderabad* in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reinforcing his reputation as a top-tier finisher. Following a solid 2025 season, he has been officially retained by the Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2026 season at his acquisition price of ₹2.4 Crore.

Shahbaz Ahmed: Career Profile & 2025–26 Highlights

Domestic Dominance with Bengal (Jan 2026)

Shahbaz has been the backbone of the Bengal side for years, and the 2025–26 season has been no different.

• The List A Centurion: His unbeaten 108 off 113 balls* against Hyderabad on January 6, 2026, showcased his ability to anchor long chases. He finished the group stage with over 390 runs and an incredible average of 130.

• The Bowling Engine: Beyond the bat, his left-arm spin remains one of the most economical in domestic cricket, consistently maintaining an economy under 5 in 50-over games.

IPL 2026: The LSG Versatility Factor

After successful stints with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Shahbaz has found a permanent home in Lucknow.

• Strategic Retention: LSG retained Shahbaz for ₹2.4 Crore for the 2026 season. Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, he serves as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder, often used as an “Impact Player” to bolster either the middle order or the bowling attack.

• Big Match Temperament: He famously helped SRH reach the 2024 final with a 3-wicket haul in the Qualifier, a trait LSG is banking on for their 2026 playoffs push.

National Team Recognition

Shahbaz remains a key figure on the fringe of the Indian national team.

• The SA Series Call-up: In December 2025, he was called up to the Indian T20I squad as a replacement for Axar Patel during the tour of South Africa.

• World Cup Radar: As of January 2026, he is being widely discussed as a top contender to replace the injured Washington Sundar in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, thanks to his similar skill set to Ravindra Jadeja.

Shahbaz Ahmed: Consolidated IPL Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 22, 2026.

IPL Batting Performance

IPL Bowling Performance