Mohammad Shami, who recently starred with a match-winning spell for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2026, will now face off with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his ‘home’ ground in Eden Gardens.

Winless after three matches, the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders take on Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, their third home game in a row.

"You always have that home advantage playing at Eden Gardens. You understand the conditions and the pitch behavior because you've played there for a long time and spent a lot of time on that ground. So that benefit is always there. If I come here and play against KKR, there will be some advantage for me being a 'local'," Shami said on Tuesday, speaking at the unveiling of the third season of the Bengal Pro T20 League.

Shami was the star of LSG’s win with figures of 2/9 in 4 overs against SRH in Hyderabad.

Despite his regular performances for Bengal after returning from injury, Shami has not been called up to the national squad. He was among the top six wicket-takers in the just-concluded Ranji Trophy, with 37 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.72.

Shami was also instrumental in Bengal's progress to the semifinals, including a notable performance of 8/90, although the side ultimately fell to champions Jammu & Kashmir despite establishing a first-inning lead.

"Hum mazdoor aadmi hain, humein bas ball daalni hai" (We are like laborers; we just have to keep bowling). There will be ups and downs in life—injuries and all—but you should never forget your ground-level hard work. If you chase too many 'fancy things,' that becomes your weakness. Nowadays everyone is after social media,” Shami quipped.

Shami, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, made a name for himself in cricket for Bengal and called it his 'karm bhoomi,' stressing that his hunger for the game remains intact.

"I was born into a farmer's family, and I've not left my roots. As a player, I still have that hunger. If you want to play at that level again, you must have that drive in you. For me, domestic cricket is as important as any format. I always prioritize domestic cricket, and I've always said this—even though I was born in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal is my 'karm bhoomi.'

Jab tak mere andar khelne ke liye jaan hai mein Bengal ke liye kheloonga (as long as I have the strength and motivation in me, I will keep playing for Bengal)," he signed off.

(PTI inputs)