Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Mohammed Shami has defended team owner Sanjiv Goenka amid ongoing criticism and social media trolling over alleged pressure on players.

There have been repeated claims that Goenka places excessive expectations on the team, with some even linking this to KL Rahul’s exit from the franchise. However, Shami dismissed these allegations, stating that such perceptions are often exaggerated.

‘High Expectations Are Justified’
Speaking during an interaction on a show hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, Shami said his experience with the LSG owner has been positive. He mentioned that he has had several constructive meetings with Goenka, where discussions focused on the team and its performance.

“When someone invests a significant amount of money in building a team and pays players well, it is completely natural to have high expectations. There is nothing wrong with that,” Shami said.

He added that expecting players to give their best should not be viewed negatively. “Many narratives and memes are created that do not reflect reality,” he noted.

‘Even a Small Investment Feels Risky’
Explaining the mindset of an investor, Shami compared it to a common person investing a small amount. He said that even investing 5,000 rupees can make someone anxious about potential losses.

“If someone invests such a large amount in a team, expecting results is only fair,” he explained.

Focus on Better Performance
Shami, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for 10 crore rupees, will be looking to deliver stronger performances in IPL 2026. In the previous season, he had a tough run, picking up just six wickets in nine matches with an economy rate above 11 runs per over.