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India’s Under-19 World Cup 2018-winning captain Prithvi Shaw is determined to make the second chance at Delhi Capitals (DC) count in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Shaw who had gone unsold in the previous edition’s auction and wasn’t considered as a replacement player either, is eyeing India comeback via his IPL performances. The opener said that he is putting in three times more hard work nowadays and intends to guide DC to their maiden title win.
"I think that's why I'm playing. There's no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That's why I'm working very hard. The amount of hard work I used to put in, I put in three times more today”, Shaw said as quoted by PTI on March 25.
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“Actually, I don't like to talk about it, but I feel that I'm giving not 100%, but 200% to come back to the Indian team, to win this trophy or to give 100% on a match day or on a practice day as well.
“Whatever ups and downs happened in the last few years, I took it all with a lot of respect and a smile. And obviously, it stays in my mind when I'll be back. But there's only one way to do it work hard and give your 100%. If you've made some mistakes, learn from them.”
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Shaw’s numbers in SMAT 2025-26
Shaw played a few impactful knocks in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26. For Maharashtra, he scored 183 runs from even innings at an average of 26.14 and strike rate of 160.52.
Can Shaw walk into the playing XII?
With Ben Duckett pulling out of IPL 2026 and Mitchell Starc’s participation uncertain, DC may look to have a few overseas bowling options in the lineup and a few hard-hitters in the middle order. This may lead to Shaw getting a chance at the top to utilise the powerplay overs. Also, skipper Axar Patel has hinted that KL Rahul may retain his position as an opener.
"I haven't thought about it actually. If KL (Rahul) is opening and with whosoever is opening with him should have a great season. I won't say that I should open. Whoever opens, should win us the match.
“Obviously, there is competition. Cricket is such a thing that whether you play Ranji Trophy, IPL, India, or India A, there will be competition. Today, there are 10 openers as you can see. So there will be competition," the 26-year-old said.
DC will go up against Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their campaign opener in an away game on April 1. It will be interesting to see if he gets a spot in the side.
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