Mohammed Shami vs Nicholas Pooran — IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Stats Comparison

Mohammed Shami vs Nicholas Pooran is one of the most searched cricket comparisons, combining international career stats with IPL fantasy data. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Mohammed Shami is a specialist bowler for Lucknow Super Giants, priced at 9 Cr this season. Over 13 matches in IPL 2026, he has scored a total of 456 fantasy points, averaging 35 pts per game with a best of 91 pts. With the bat he has accumulated 31 IPL runs at a strike rate of 140.9, and has claimed 12 IPL wickets with an economy of 9.00. He has won Man of the Match 1 time this season.

International career: Mohammed Shami has scored 224 ODI runs in 106 matches at an average of 8.00 internationally. He has also taken 200 ODI wickets at an average of 24.33 with an economy of 5.59. In TESTs, he has 750 runs across 64 matches (avg 11.9).

Nicholas Pooran is a wicket-keeper batter for Lucknow Super Giants, priced at 10 Cr. Across 14 matches in IPL 2026, he has earned 465 fantasy points, averaging 33 pts per game with a best of 134 pts. He has scored 234 IPL runs at a strike rate of 127.9.

International career: Nicholas Pooran has scored 2,177 T20I runs in 105 matches at an average of 25.31, with 12 half-centuries internationally. In ODIs, he has 1,829 runs across 57 matches (avg 38.9).

Batting edge: Nicholas Pooran leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Mohammed Shami has been the more impactful bowler in IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Mohammed Shami is the stronger pick right now with an average of 35 pts per game and a best score of 91 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Mohammed Shami is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.