Prithvi Shaw will open for Delhi Capitals with clarity of role, says Irfan Pathan ahead of IPL 2026
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said Delhi Capitals should go with Prithvi Shaw at the top of the order but should give him clarity in the role. After a year away from the IPL, Shaw is back in Delhi, where he re-established himself, found form in the domestic circuit and was eventually bought at his base price.
Shaw scored 537 runs in seven matches in his debut season for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. And then took this form to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 25-year-old scored 183 runs in seven matches with a strike rate above 160.
Delhi looks for stability at the top KL Rahul is in one place as an opening batsman. When it comes to the second one, it is still three major contenders in the field after the return of Ben Duckett. Pathum Nissanka, Abhishek Porel and Shaw are in a triangular fight for the second position.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said that a replacement for Porel could be explored, but Shaw should be trusted in the role.
“They have the option of Abhishek Porel, who has done really well whenever he has got the chance. He has contributed with quick 20s and 30s so far. But I think he should go with Prithvi Shaw and give him clarity about his role,” Pathan said.
‘Shaw will have a point to prove’
Pathan said that Shaw will come to prove himself in IPL 2026 after not being sold in the auction last year.
“He got him at a very good price. He moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra in domestic cricket. He was the highest run-scorer for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Yes, he did not score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but he looks in good form. I think those hungry players who were not sold last year, they always come with something to prove. Prithvi Shaw will come with a point to prove,” Pathan said.
Shaw has scored 1892 runs in 79 matches for DC during his IPL career since his debut in 2018.
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