Murali Kartik slams DC for ignoring this batter despite top-order struggles, says 'they haven’t even looked at him'

Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals are going through an identity crisis in the ongoing IPL 2026, picking up five defeats, including a horrible show against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Delhi-based franchise is searching for an attacking batter to open the innings with KL Rahul on the other side.

Murali Kartik slams Delhi Capitals' team management

Former India cricketer, Murali Kartik has slammed Delhi Capitals' team management for not trying Prithvi Shaw at the top order, despite re-signing him for Rs 75 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction.

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In an interaction with Cricbuzz, Murali Kartik has raised questions on Delhi's strategy by not giving an opportunity to Prithvi Shaw despite being in need of an attacking batter at the top.

"I am surprised because they haven’t even looked at Prithvi Shaw this season. Earlier also we were discussing whether he could play in place of Pathum Nissanka, because you get an aggressive opener, said Kartik.

While taking further, the former India bowler said that DC re-signing Shaw despite past issues suggested the franchise would give him fair chances to prove himself. However, the move now appears surprising.

"If you have picked him for a reason, then after forgetting past issues, you should give him a chance, but they are not playing him, which is a bit surprising for me," added Murali Kartik.

Prithvi Shaw's IPL career

Prithvi Shaw made his IPL debut April 23, 2018 while representing Delhi Capitals (Delhi Daredevils then) against Punjab Kings (Kings XI Punjab then), where he scored rapid 22 runs off just 10 balls.

For over next six years Shaw continued to play for DC despite several underwhelming seasons. In 79 matches, Shaw managed to gather 1,892 runs at an underwhelming average of 23.95 with a strike rate of 147.47. The right-handed opener has scored 14 half-centuries in the competition, with his highest score of 99 coming against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.

It will be interesting to see if Prithvi Shaw could make a roaring comeback in IPL ever again.