The out-of-favour Shami has been phenomenal for LSG following a superb domestic season for Bengal, returning with a sensational spell of 2/9 from four overs including 18 dot balls to blow away the star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad top order.
"(Bowling coach) Bharat Arun and Shami worked on a new-ball variation four days before the game. He used that very ball to dismiss Abhishek," said Crowe.
The delivery in question was a slower, wider one that set up the No. 1 T20 batter brilliantly.
Shami first altered his field, moving deep third man to deep point, before surprising the batter with a yorker on the leg-stump line.
On the final ball of the over, he added another fielder on the off side, removed the slip and bowled a slower delivery wide of the left-hander, inducing a drive that resulted in a thick outside edge, which was caught by M Siddharth at short third man.
Shami also dismissed Travis Head in his next over to choke SRH who made 156/9. The LSG won by five wickets and it was their first win of the season.
Shami enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 domestic season for Bengal, picking up 68 wickets across formats - 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 37 in the Ranji Trophy.
However, he has continued to be ignored by the national think tank led by coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, even as calls grow for his return to the white-ball setup with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Crowe said Shami's willingness to keep learning sets him apart.
"I think for all of us - young and old cricketers - you're never too old to learn a new skill. The fact that in just four days he picked up that skill, executed it in a match and got a wicket is a testament not only to Bharat's coaching but also to Mohammed Shami's mindset.
"As a senior player, he's still very willing to develop new skills and push his game forward. That mindset is fantastic."
The former English first-class cricketer also praised skipper Rishabh Pant, calling him an "empowering" leader. Crowe did not hide his admiration for Pant.
"I would say he definitely empowers his bowlers. He is very keen to hear their views in team meetings and is interested in understanding their perspectives and plans. Personally, I've really warmed to him.
"One thing he does really nicely - it may seem small - is that when he enters the room as captain, he says 'hello' to every single person and shakes their hand. As a leader, that makes you feel welcome and that you belong, and I really like that about him."
Speedster Mayank Yadav is yet to feature for LSG, fuelling injury concerns, but Crowe said they have a strong pace attack, making it tough to break into the XI. (PTI)