Reaction from the field
Prithvi Shaw is on a mission. After a long absence from the Indian national team, the talented opener is aiming for a comeback through his performance in IPL 2026. Shaw last donned the blue jersey in July 2021, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as he seeks to reclaim his spot.
Shaw’s recent form has been impressive. He scored 183 runs in just seven innings during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, boasting a strike rate exceeding 160. This performance caught the eye of the Delhi Capitals, who picked him up for Rs 75 lakh in the accelerated round after he went unsold in the previous IPL auction.
Competition for the opening slot in the Indian team is fierce, particularly with established players like KL Rahul likely to take the lead. Shaw acknowledges this challenge, stating, “Whoever opens, should win us the match.” His determination is palpable; he claims to be giving not 100%, but 200% effort to return to the national side.
Reflecting on his journey, Shaw’s path has not been straightforward. Past mistakes have impacted his career, but he remains focused on his goals. “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 said.
Shaw’s international career began with a bang, scoring a century on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018. However, his recent absence from the IPL season has raised questions about his consistency and readiness for the national team.
As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Shaw. His performance will be crucial not just for the Delhi Capitals but also for his aspirations to return to the Indian team. The pressure is on, and the competition is fierce.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding his potential selection, but Shaw’s commitment to his craft is evident. The coming months will be pivotal for him as he strives to make a significant impact in the IPL and beyond.
