Delhi Capitals (DC) acquired the services of Prithvi Shaw at a base price of only Rs 75 lakh in the players auction ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise is struggling with its batting combination in the current campaign.
He has also tried several opening pairs to stabilize things. The team is still in the race for the title and can also enter the playoffs. But, despite several wins and some close contests, DC’s performances have not been convincing yet, mainly due to their inconsistency.
Why should DC trust Prithvi Shaw?
The team is full of talent and potential, but most of it remains untouched. In search of the ‘X’ factor, the team management has retained confidence in some of its emerging batsmen and has also made some changes in the batting order. Since the team is struggling with its opening pair as well as its top-order, why don’t they utilize a talent like Prithvi Shaw, who has been warming the bench since the start of the season? A section of Indian cricket fans have raised questions.
The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul have played some good innings together for the team. But, more often than not, instead of putting in a steady performance as a combination, they showed their individual talent in a few games. Nissanka or Rahul are not among the explosive batsmen in the league. Rahul has increased his strike rate and can play while maintaining a fast pace. But that is not the ‘X’ factor.
The opening batsman is trying to make a comeback
Prithvi Shaw is one of those batsmen in the team who can bring some freshness to the line-up. Back in the day, when Prithvi Shaw was a budding cricketer, the Mumbai-born opening batsman was considered one of the most exciting talents on the planet. But due to inconsistency, injuries and mostly controversial lifestyle, he gradually faded from the limelight. As he has become more mature, the 26-year-old has realized his mistakes and is eager to make a comeback.
“I am a human being; I will make mistakes. Obviously, they only know half of what is written or said out there. My family knows me… my friends know about me inside and out. Whenever things, good or bad, came up on social media or in newspapers, [about me]I was very young [to understand them]obviously. every time you look [such stuff]You come [back for more]. So I stopped watching them,” Prithvi Shaw said after joining Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026.
Former Indian cricketer asks DC to feed the Earth
Former Team India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that if Prithvi has gone through rehab and is now sober then he deserves another chance.
“Prithvi Shaw’s picture is making me very sad. Alcohol addiction is a genetic disease. It needs treatment. If he has gone through rehab and is sober now, he needs to be given some chances. After rehab, one feels insecure. He will be eager to do good, he will be sidelined, desperation is not good,” Laxman said on ‘X’.
I am very saddened by the picture of Prithvi Shaw. Alcoholism is a genetic disease, it needs treatment. If he has been through rehab and is now sober then he needs to be given some chances. After rehabilitation the person feels unsafe. He will be eager to do well, bypassing him, frustration is not good.
– Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) 12 May 2026
Read More: Delhi Capitals Qualification Scenario IPL 2026: Can DC still reach the playoffs after a win against PBKS?
