Prithvi Shaw backed to dominate IPL 2026 by Irfan Pathan
Published - 27 Mar 2026, 05:29 PM | Updated - 27 Mar 2026, 05:37 PM
Prithvi Shaw, the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, is all set to make his comeback in top-level cricket through the Delhi Capitals. Shaw was picked by the Delhi-based franchise in the 2025 IPL mega auction at his base price of ₹75 lakh, and that too at the very last moment when no other team showed interest in him.
Interestingly, this is the same player who was bought by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018 for a ₹1.2 crore. However, he failed to live up to expectations initially, scoring just 245 runs in 9 innings.
After eight long years, when no franchise seemed interested in him, Delhi once again showed faith not only by picking him but also by giving him another opportunity to prove himself to the cricketing world.
Prithvi Shaw: The Journey from “Sachin’s Next” to “Inconsistent and Unfit Player”
Prithvi Shaw’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, one moment at the top, and the next at rock bottom. After leading India to victory in the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup, Shaw achieved everything he had ever dreamed of at a very young age: fame, money, and recognition. He was even compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, with many calling him “the next big thing” in Indian cricket.
However, with early success came immense pressure and distractions. As expectations grew higher, Prithvi Shaw struggled to keep up. His form dipped, technical flaws became more visible, and off-field issues began to affect his career. Reports of poor discipline, fitness concerns, and being surrounded by the wrong company further derailed his progress. Over time, he found himself in and out of the team, facing criticism from selectors and fans alike.
A Career Full of Setbacks and Struggles
In recent years, Prithvi Shaw has endured a turbulent phase in his career. Once considered a future star, he has faced multiple setbacks that pushed him out of contention at both the domestic and national levels.
Fitness & Discipline Issues: Shaw was often criticized for being overweight, lacking discipline, and showing low motivation which led to his exclusion from key squads.
Form & Injuries: His performances saw a steep decline during IPL 2023–2024, and a knee injury further disrupted his momentum.
Off-Field Struggles: Prithvi Shaw also went through personal challenges, admitting that he felt “mentally far from home” while trying to rebuild his career.
He was even dropped from the Mumbai domestic side, which marked a significant low point in his journey. Eventually, he moved to Maharashtra in search of a fresh start and better opportunities.
Prithvi Shaw got a second chance to rewrite his story
Despite all the setbacks, Shaw has been working hard behind the scenes to make a strong comeback. Reports suggest that he has been focusing on improving his fitness, discipline, and mental strength areas that once held him back.
The IPL 2026 season could prove to be a turning point in his career. With Delhi Capitals once again backing him, Shaw has a golden opportunity to silence his critics and remind everyone of his true potential. Talking about Prithvi Shaw, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan came in support of him and said, "he would be hungry to prove at a point."
This comeback is not just about scoring runs; it is about redemption. It is about proving that the same player who was once hailed as the “next Sachin” still has the hunger and ability to succeed at the highest level.
"They got him at a very good price. I think those hungry players who went unsold last year always come with a point to prove. Prithvi Shaw will come to prove a point,” he said.
"The hungry players who have gotten dropped are very excited, but along with that, they also put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform. This pressure always leads you towards failure,” he stated.
Can Prithvi Shaw Rise Again?
The biggest question now is whether Shaw can make the most of this opportunity. Cricket has seen many players fall and rise again, and Shaw has the talent to script a similar comeback story.
If he manages to stay fit, disciplined, and focused, there is no doubt that he can once again become a key player not just for Delhi Capitals, but potentially for India as well.
Also Read: Prithvi Shaw’s romantic post breaks the internet as he announces engagement with Akriti Agarwal
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This author is a member of Cricketaddictor who writes news and analysis related to cricket.
