Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw (Image Credit: Delhi Capitals/IPL) NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind a bold opening combination for Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026, backing Prithvi Shaw to partner the ever-reliable KL Rahul at the top.On his YouTube channel, Pathan hailed Rahul as a reliable match-winner and described him as the “safest bank” in the league. “KL Rahul is the safest bank to score 500 runs every season. He will always score and he can always get good starts. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league,” said Pathan, brushing aside criticism over the strike rate. “We just sometimes talk about his success, but if you win the game, you don’t have to focus too much on that,” he added.
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Axar Patel questions Impact Player rule: ‘All-rounders lose value’Shaw backed up to fight offHowever, Pathan reserved special praise for Shaw, who is returning to the franchise after not being sold in the previous auction cycle. “They got him at a very good price. I think those hungry players who didn’t sell last year always come with a point to prove. Prithvi Shaw will come to prove a point,” he said.The former opener’s recent domestic form lends weight to Pathan’s argument. After switching to Maharashtra, Shaw enjoyed a prolific run and finished as their highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.“Pressure leads to failure”While supporting Shaw’s return, Pathan also issued a warning. “Hungry players who are relegated are very excited, but at the same time they also put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform. That pressure always leads you to failure,” he warned, urging the youngster to stay relaxed and focused.He also acknowledged other options in the team, including Abhishek Porel, but stressed the clarity of roles. “They have the option of Abhishek Porel. But I think they should go with Prithvi Shaw and explain his role to him,” he added.
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Rahul has set himself up for another big seasonRahul, meanwhile, enters IPL 2026 in strong touch after a stellar previous campaign where he amassed 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate close to 150. With over 5,200 IPL runs already, he is now eyeing the 6,000-run milestone – a mark only achieved by the great Ro Virathma Sharhma Kohoutli.As DC get set to begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants, all eyes will be on whether the Pathan-backed opening pair will form – and whether Shaw can actually deliver on his ‘point to prove’.
