Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Prithvi Shaw ahead of IPL 2026 as he feels Delhi Capitals (DC) should trust him and give him a clear role. Shaw has returned to DC after going unsold during the 2025 IPL auction.
After DC captain Axar Patel confirmed KL Rahul will open this year. The Capitals are still looking for a reliable second opener after the withdrawal of Ben Duckett. “They have the option of Abhishek Porel, who has performed really well whenever he has gotten chances,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. He has contributed with quick 20s and 30s so far. But I think they should go with Prithvi Shaw and give him clarity about his role.”
Shaw was bought back into DC after his strong performances in domestic cricket. He scored 537 runs in seven matches in the Ranji Trophy for Maharashtra and registered 183 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Pathan also believes the hunger for game will help Shaw to perform better for DC. “They got him at a very good price. He shifted to Maharashtra from Mumbai in domestic cricket,” Pathan said. “He was the highest run-scorer for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Yes, he didn’t score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but he seems to be in good form. 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.”
DC first bought Shaw in 2018. For the franchise, Shaw has scored 1892 runs in 79 matches at an average of 23.94 and strike rate of 147.46.
DC will start the 2026 IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1 in Lucknow.
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