Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The season began with high anticipation, but the spotlight soon shifted from the on-field action to the team selection controversy Delhi Capitals (DC) Faced criticism after coming out Prithvi Shaw in their opening match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Fans were surprised and disappointed when the young opening batsman, who was expected to make a strong comeback this season, was neither included in the playing eleven nor listed as an impact option.
Questions have been raised on Delhi Capitals’ move to ignore Prithvi Shaw.
DC captain after winning the toss at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow Akshar Patel Decided to bowl first. Speaking on the toss, Axar confirmed that the Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka He will make his IPL debut and will also open the innings KL Rahul. While the inclusion of Nissanka brought freshness to the lineup, it was Shaw’s absence that dominated the discussions.
Interestingly, the character did not provide any explanation for Shaw’s omission, leading fans and experts to speculate about the reasons behind the decision. Given Shaw’s reputation as an aggressive top-order batsman and his return to the franchise this season, expectations were high for him to feature prominently.
Fans expressed disappointment over Shaw’s exit
As soon as the team sheet was announced, fans took to social media platforms to express their disappointment. Many questioned the team management’s decision to ignore a player known for his explosive starts, especially in a format like T20 cricket where powerplay performances often set the tone.
Many users pointed out that Shaw’s exclusion, even from the Impact options list, indicates deeper concerns – be it form, fitness or team tactics. Others argued that backing a proven IPL performer like Shaw in the early games could have given DC a greater attacking edge at the top.
The reaction reflects the strong connection Shaw shares with fans, who have followed her journey closely and were eager to see her make a statement this season.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Pathum Nissanka ahead of Prithvi Shaw….?? Are you serious 😦 What’s wrong in Delhi
– Depressed Jerry 🍑🏳️🌈🚩 (@Retired_Fan69) April 1, 2026
Prithvi Shaw’s opening after Starc’s return will save his season and his career. https://t.co/KZjnKCO4TT
– Tingas Pingis (@bent_copper) April 1, 2026
Prithvi Shaw 💔
– Rojobit (@mxn10_) April 1, 2026
Prithvi Shaw impact is not even in everything https://t.co/NBLqsMHjLd
– GK (@FCBxRCB) April 1, 2026
After a few days, we can also see Justice Gang for Prithvi Shaw.
– Navkaar.Jain (@navkaarrjain20) April 1, 2026
Big mistakes of Delhi Capitals
– Selection of Nissanka in place of Prithvi Shaw
– Only Lungi Ngidi in the playing eleven
– D’Mantha Chameera has been eliminated
– bowling became weak#IPL2026 #DCVSLSG pic.twitter.com/ufln3d0uUu– Raja (@_raja_kumar) April 1, 2026
The absence of Prithvi Shaw in this lineup is disappointing.
-Chirag Wakaskar (@chiragwakaskar) April 1, 2026
It’s shocking that no one wants to give a chance to Prithvi Shaw
– Pranav Mohan Lal (@pranavlal21) April 1, 2026
Where is Prince Prithvi Shaw?
-‘ (@defendkohly18) April 1, 2026
See also: LSG captain Rishabh Pant gifts bat to Ayush Badoni with ridiculous warning
Playing eleven of both the teams
Delhi Capitals fielded a balanced XI with a mix of experience and youth. Along with Rahul and Nissanka, players also like david miller And Tristan Stubbs It was expected that the middle order would be strong, while the bowling attack would include players like -Kuldeep Yadav And T Natarajan.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants lead Rishabh PantAlso made notable selection calls. Despite having a strong team, LSG left out promising names like Mayank Yadav And Arjun Tendulkar From their playing eleven, there is a display of depth and competition within the team.
Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar.
effect sub: Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair.
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (captain/wicketkeeper), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Chaudhary, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Prince Yadav.
Effect Sub: Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akshat Raghuvanshi.
