Prithvi Shaw never lacked faith. Once regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents, the Mumbai-born opener is now eyeing an Indian comeback as he prepares for IPL 2026 with Delhi Capitals.
It was a turbulent phase in Shaw’s career. His performances overshadowed concerns about fitness and disciplinewhich led to his going unsold in the mega auction of IPL 2025. He was also dropped by Mumbai which led to a move to Maharashtra in a bid to revive his career.
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That decision seems to have paid off. Shaw rediscovered his rhythm in domestic cricket and smashed a stunning double century in Ranji Trophy against Chandigarh, a knock that signaled a return to form and put him back on the radar.
BACK FOR PURPOSE IN DELHI CAPITAS
Shaw is returning to the franchise he represented for seven seasons starting in 2018. After missing last year, the move marks a fresh start for the 26-year-old, who now comes with new motivation.
“If I’m not thinking about a comeback, then what’s the point? That’s why I’m playing. Who wouldn’t want to play for India? You have to be there and I’m working on it,” Shaw said before the season.
Dough also opened up about the break he took from the game, describing it as a necessary reset rather than a setback.
“I’ve been enjoying my life for the past year. I went to a few destinations to keep my mind fresh. Then I came back. Same routine, training, working hard, whether it was my practice or batting. Whatever I was doing, I started doing it 3x more. I think it was a good break for me. I don’t see it as a step back, but it was a needed mental break.”
WORK ETHICS WITH FOCUS
Questions regarding Shaw’s discipline were also publicly addressed. Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized the need for consistency after the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final.
“He needs to get his work ethic right, and if he does, the sky’s the limit for him. We can’t babysit anybody, can we? Any pro who plays at this level has to know what he’s supposed to do. He’s got to focus, sit down, put his mind to it and figure it out for himself.”
Shaw himself acknowledged that expectations remain high, especially as opening batters in the IPL.
VIDEO | On his return to the Indian team, cricketer Prithvi Shaw says, “There is no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That is exactly why I am playing and why I am working so hard. The amount of effort I used to put in earlier, I have put in three times more today. No pic.twitter.com/jgDhq2Iuq4— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 25, 2026
“The last couple of years in the IPL have not been great for me. Not really bad, not really good. But of course people expect a lot, especially when it comes to opening batting. You have to give 100 per cent even in training. It reflects in the match.”
Off the field, Shaw also has reason to celebrate. He recently announced his engagement to Akriti Agarwal, with Delhi Capitals among those to congratulate him, underscoring the strong bond he shares with the franchise.
Now, with a fresh start in Maharashtra, a return to Delhi Capitals and a renewed mindset, Shaw heads into IPL 2026 with the clear aim of turning promise back into performance and cementing a place in the Indian dressing room.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
25 March 2026 21:06 IST
