Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw is gearing up for a fresh start in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, returning to Delhi Capitals after a challenging phase in his career. Having gone unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw has used the time away from the spotlight to reset mentally and physically, and now aims to make a strong comeback.
A Break That Made a Difference
After two underwhelming IPL seasons in 2023 and 2024, where he managed only 304 runs in 16 innings, Prithvi Shaw admitted that stepping away from competitive cricket proved to be a turning point.
Speaking candidly, Shaw revealed that he took time off to travel and refresh his mind. “I enjoyed my life a lot. I went to a couple of destinations to refresh myself. Then I returned and worked even harder,” he said.
The young opener emphasized that his training intensity increased significantly during this period. He focused on his batting and fitness routines, putting in nearly three times the effort compared to before. According to Shaw, this break was not a setback but a necessary step to rebuild his mental strength.
“I wouldn’t call it a step back. I needed that break to make myself mentally strong,” he added.
Tough Phase and Lessons Learned
Shaw’s journey over the past two years has not been easy. He was dropped midway through IPL 2024 by Delhi Capitals due to inconsistent performances. Additionally, he lost his place in Mumbai’s domestic squad during the 2024-25 season.
His former teammate Shreyas Iyer had publicly stated that Shaw needed to improve his work ethic, which sparked discussions in the cricketing community. Eventually, Shaw made a move to represent Maharashtra in domestic cricket, signaling a fresh chapter in his career.
Reflecting on the criticism and media attention, Shaw said he chose to distance himself from negativity. “I am a human being, and mistakes happen. People only know half the story. My family and close friends understand me completely,” he explained.
He also admitted that social media and public scrutiny affected him when he was younger, but he has since learned to block out distractions and focus on his game.
New Competition at Delhi Capitals
As IPL 2026 approaches, Prithvi Shaw faces stiff competition for a spot in the playing XI. He will be vying for an opening position alongside KL Rahul, competing with players like Pathum Nissanka and Abishek Porel.
Here’s a quick look at the competition for the opening slot:
| Player Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Prithvi Shaw | Opening Batter | India |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batter | India |
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter | Sri Lanka |
| Abishek Porel | Wicketkeeper-Batter | India |
This intense competition is expected to push Shaw to perform at his best if he wants to cement his place in the squad.
Also Read: BCCI Unveils Schedule for Second Phase of TATA IPL 2026; 50 Matches Across 12 Venues
Delhi Capitals Eye Playoff Return
The Delhi Capitals, who last reached the IPL playoffs in 2021, will be looking to bounce back strongly this season. They begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 in Lucknow.
With renewed focus and determination, Prithvi Shaw’s comeback story could play a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ fortunes this season. The talented opener believes he is now in a better mental space and is ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
“I feel now is the time when I get real happiness stepping onto the field,” Shaw said, signaling a confident return.
As IPL 2026 kicks off, all eyes will be on Prithvi Shaw to see if he can turn his struggles into success and reclaim his position as one of India’s most promising young batters.
