If you thought Prithvi Shaw’s IPL story ended when he went unsold in 2025, think again. The young dynamite just smashed a hundred on his Maharashtra debut in the Buchi Babu Tournament, reminding everyone exactly why he was once tipped as the “next big thing” in Indian cricket. Shaw’s bold batting style and knack for flipping matches in minutes have reignited hopes for his IPL return. His recent form isn’t just a statement; it’s a warning sign to franchises who struggled at the top last season—because the missing piece of their 2026 puzzle might just be Prithvi Shaw.
Kolkata Knight Riders: The Explosive Opener They’re Missing
KKR’s 2025 campaign felt less like a victory parade and more like a reality check after their 2024 heroics. They struggled big time with opening combinations. Ajinkya Rahane tried to hold things together at the top with decent numbers, but let’s be real—KKR need someone who can go full beast mode in the powerplay.
Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz had shocking games, leaving a shaky top order. And that’s exactly where Prithvi Shaw fits. In T20s, his strike rate (151.54!) is all about aggression. His middle-order partners for KKR, with their hit-first nature (Rinku Singh and Andre Russell, right!), would love a hot start. And imagine if he gives KKR 50 in the first five overs. The rest will be demolition!
Chennai Super Kings: Time for a Fresh Start at the Top
CSK fans don’t like hearing it, but 2025 was brutal. Finishing last? That’s not the “Thala” way. Injuries didn’t help either, with Ruturaj Gaikwad missing games and the rest of the openers looking out of sync. The result? CSK’s top order looked like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.
Enter Prithvi Shaw. He’s the kind of batter who doesn’t just play the power play—he owns it. CSK have traditionally loved players who can handle pressure while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Shaw brings exactly that, but with the added spice of attacking intent from ball one.
Delhi Capitals: The Homecoming Story Fans Want
This one just writes itself, doesn’t it? Shaw started his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals, spent seven seasons there, and now there’s a real chance of a reunion. In 2025, DC shuffled openers like a deck of cards—Faf, Fraser-McGurk, Porel—but only KL Rahul managed to hold the fort. Their openers’ average of just 19.23 last season tells you how inconsistent they were at the top.
Shaw’s return could give them familiarity and firepower in one package. With Rishabh Pant back leading the side, DC might just be one aggressive opener away from turning into genuine title contenders. Prithvi Shaw isn’t just playing for Maharashtra—he’s playing for his IPL future. KKR, CSK, and DC all have glaring gaps at the top, and Shaw offers exactly what they need: aggression, intent, and the ability to flip games on their head.
FAQs
1: What makes Shaw a valuable T20 player?
His career T20 strike rate of over 150 makes him a natural powerplay aggressor.
2: What’s Shaw’s IPL career highlight so far?
He has scored nearly 1900 IPL runs with one of the best strike rates among Indian openers.
3: Could Shaw’s form impact the 2026 auction?
Absolutely, consistent domestic performances will boost his IPL demand.
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