Prithvi Shaw Seeks Redemption As Lost Opener Makes IPL Return

Prithvi Shaw [Source: AFP]

Once hailed as one of India’s most precocious batting prodigies, Prithvi Shaw burst onto the scene at a tender age of 18. A run-machine presence for Mumbai in domestic cricket, the attacking right-handed top-order batter piled up runs with striking consistency across all formats.

However, a string of off-field controversies and a prolonged dip in form has since stalled his ascent. Shaw’s underwhelming returns even saw him finding no takers at the IPL 2025 auction after getting released by the Delhi Capitals franchise.

In any case, the 26-year-old has found his way back to the Capitals, and is currently gearing up for IPL 2026. Ahead of the much-awaited tournament, Prithvi Shaw recently reflected on the turbulent phase of his career, shedding light on the lessons and a renewed mindset that is now shaping his comeback trail.

Prithvi Shaw says a break after IPL snub helped him

Prithvi Shaw surprisingly went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction last year after getting released by the Delhi Capitals. Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season, the dynamic opening batter said that he utilized that break by enjoying his life and mentally strengthening himself.

Also Read- Prithvi Shaw Is Down! Famous Influencer Set To Tie Knot After Dreamy Engagement

The cricketer added that he also tripled his training routine in a bid to regain his lost touch with the bat. While speaking mere moments prior to Delhi Capitals’ intra-squad match earlier this week, Shaw said “I went to a couple of places to refresh my mind. It (the IPL snub) was a good break for me. I’ve enjoyed my life a lot. I can’t say that I took a step back. The break allowed me to strengthen myself mentally. When I came back, it was the same routine. I trained and worked hard. Whatever I used to do earlier, I started doing it three times more.”

Shaw explains why he picked Maharashtra after Mumbai snub

Prithvi Shaw made his domestic cricket debut for the Mumbai team way back in January 2017 as a teenager. After spending eight seasons with the Mumbai side, the prolific run-maker was eventually dropped from the squad, bringing an abrupt halt to a long-standing association.

The forgotten Indian Test opener admitted that while he received many offers from other states, he chose to play for Maharashtra since it was the closest cricket association to Mumbai.

He said “When I was dropped from the Mumbai team for a year, I felt the reason given to me was not a valid one. Even then I just smiled and left. I didn’t speak to the selectors or the president of the association. A lot of offers from other states started coming my way but I chose Maharashtra because it was closer to Mumbai.”

Prithvi Shaw reflects impact of negative buzz, eyes redemption

Following Prithvi Shaw’s nightclub controversy involving YouTuber Sapna Gill, the cricketer found himself at the centre of intense criticism, with a wave of negative headlines further denting his public image. The cricketer admitted that while he did commit mistakes, he implied that the media portrayed only one side of the story without full context.

Shaw also claimed that those negative headlines did affect him mentally, and he has since learned to block out the noise and focus on his game with a more composed mindset.

He added “I didn’t write anything about myself. The media did. I’m a human being. I will make mistakes. It’s been many years. I must have made some mistakes in my life. Whatever is written outside, people know only the half of it. Now, I have stopped seeing those things. Now, I believe in myself. I know where I come from and how hard I have worked to reach here. Humans make mistakes but that’s history. I feel I am very happy mentally.”

Prithvi Shaw preps for IPL return for Delhi Capitals

After finding his rhythm in domestic cricket for Maharashtra, Prithvi Shaw was acquired by the Delhi Capitals franchise at the IPL 2026 auction last year for a sum of Rs. 75 lakhs. Set to make his return to the tournament after missing IPL 2025, Shaw will be eager to make an immediate impact and reaffirm his credentials at the highest level.

Also Read- Josh Hazlewood Replaced By? RCB's Best Playing XI For IPL 2026