IPL 2026: 'Neeche nahi girne denge' - Mohammed Shami's pep talk to Rishabh Pant goes viral ahead of KKR clash

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was caught on camera delivering a dressing-room-style pep talk to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant during net practice ahead of the franchise's fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens. 

The clip, recorded during LSG's training session in Kolkata, has since gone viral on social media as fans reacted to the public show of support for a captain whose form and fitness have been under heavy scrutiny through the first two matches of the season.

Pant was in the nets, striking cleanly and launching balls into the stands, when he misjudged one delivery to which Shami responded with a cheeky jab.

"Bahar nikal kar le sakta" (you could have stepped out and hit it)."

 "Lappa to main har ball par ghuma dunga" (I can swing hard at every ball), Pant responded back.

The banter between the two India teammates continued with Shami showing his full support to his skipper. 

"Tu hamara sher hai, tu kuch bhi kar… hum tujhe neeche nahi girne denge, chahe tu kuch bhi kar" (You are our lion, do whatever you want… we won't let you fall, no matter what)," Shami replied. 

Pant was bought by LSG for INR 27 crore at the 2025 mega auction, the most expensive deal in the tournament's history. He has been India's most debated white-ball wicketkeeper-batter since.

The Super Giants lost their opening game against the Delhi Capitals before bouncing back with a win over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where their skipper contributed towards an unbeaten 68.

KKR, meanwhile, come into the game still chasing their first win of the 2026 season and are expected to make multiple changes, with their top order and bowling group both struggling for rhythm.

Shami had a strong game against SRH and will be the bowler Pant leans on in the powerplay against a fragile Knight Riders opening pair. The 35-year-old made his Indian Premier League debut for KKR back in 2013, where he played just three games and took one wicket.