07 Prithvi Shaw

A dynamic opener with a “fearless” brand of cricket, Prithvi Shaw (born November 9, 1999) has navigated one of the most compelling redemption stories in Indian cricket. After a challenging 2024–25 season that saw him without an IPL contract, the “prodigal son” has made a high-profile return to his roots.

As of January 20, 2026, Shaw is back with the Delhi Capitals (DC). Secured for ₹75 Lakh in the December 2025 auction, he returns to the franchise where he spent seven seasons, eager to prove that his “natural flair” is sharper than ever following a record-breaking domestic run.

Prithvi Shaw: The 2025–26 Redemption Arc

The “Maharashtra” Shift & Domestic Dominance

Following a difficult period with Mumbai, Shaw made a strategic move to Maharashtra for the 2025–26 domestic season. This fresh start sparked a “purple patch” of form:

• The 72-Ball Double Century: Shaw stunned the cricketing world in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 by slamming the third-quickest double hundred in the tournament’s history (200 off 72 balls) against Chandigarh.

• SMAT Captaincy Blitz: Leading Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, he smashed a 23-ball half-century and finished with 66 off 36 against Hyderabad, proving his T20 power-hitting remains elite.

IPL 2026: “Back to My Family”

After going unsold twice in the early rounds of the IPL 2026 auction, the Delhi Capitals made a late, emotional bid in the accelerated round. Shaw’s reaction on social media—“Back to my family”—resonated with fans who remember his 2021 peak (479 runs). Under the new tactical setups at DC, Shaw is expected to partner with Pathum Nissanka or KL Rahul to provide explosive starts in the powerplay.

Prithvi Shaw: Career Statistics

Data updated as of January 20, 2026.

IPL Batting Performance

Recent Domestic Form (Maharashtra 2025–26)

• Ranji Trophy: 470 runs in 5 matches (Avg 67.14, SR 92.33).

• SMAT T20: 183 runs in 7 matches (Avg 26.00, SR 160.52).