Reaction from the field
Prithvi Shaw’s quest to return to the Indian national cricket team has reached a fever pitch, as he gears up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with the Delhi Capitals. After a tumultuous period marked by setbacks and missed opportunities, Shaw is determined to showcase his skills and reclaim his place among the elite. His last appearance for India was in July 2021, a gap that has only intensified his resolve to make a comeback.
In a striking turn of events, Shaw was picked up by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh during the accelerated auction after going unsold in the previous IPL auction. This opportunity comes on the heels of a remarkable performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, where he scored an impressive 183 runs in just seven innings, boasting a strike rate exceeding 160. Such statistics not only highlight his batting prowess but also signal his readiness to compete at the highest level.
Shaw’s journey has not been without its challenges. He acknowledges the fierce competition for the opening slot in the Indian team, particularly with established players like KL Rahul likely to secure a position. “There will be competition. Today, there are 10 openers as you can see,” Shaw remarked, underscoring the depth of talent vying for a chance to represent the nation. Yet, he remains undeterred, stating, “Whoever opens, should win us the match,” reflecting his team-first mentality.
His commitment to returning to the national side is palpable. Shaw has expressed that he is not merely giving 100% effort but is, in fact, putting in 200%. “I think that’s why I’m playing. There’s no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That’s why I’m working very hard. The amount of hard work I used to put in, I put in three times more today,” he shared, revealing the intensity of his training regimen.
Shaw’s rise to prominence began with a sensational Test debut against the West Indies in 2018, where he scored a century, marking him as one of India’s brightest young talents. However, his journey has been marred by inconsistencies and off-field issues that have hindered his progress. The past mistakes have cast a long shadow over his career, making his current efforts to return to form even more significant.
As the IPL season approaches, the stakes are high for Shaw. His performance will not only determine his future with the Delhi Capitals but could also be pivotal in shaping his prospects for a national call-up. The cricketing world is watching closely, eager to see if he can translate his recent successes into sustained excellence on the field.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the competition will unfold, but one thing is certain: Prithvi Shaw is ready to fight for his place, armed with renewed vigor and an unyielding spirit. The upcoming IPL season could very well be the stage where he re-establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in Indian cricket.
