Prithvi Shaw Aims for Indian Team Comeback Ahead of IPL 2026
Prithvi Shaw's Determination to Return to the National Team
In New Delhi, Mumbai's batsman Prithvi Shaw has voiced his ambition to rejoin the Indian men's national cricket team as he gears up for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Delhi Capitals (DC).
Shaw's last appearance in international cricket was in 2021 during a T20I match against Sri Lanka. He faced challenges in the IPL during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, ultimately going unsold in the 2025 auction. In the 2023 IPL, he managed to score just 106 runs across eight matches, averaging 13.25, while in 2024, he accumulated 198 runs at an average of 24.75.
Ahead of the IPL 2026, Shaw expressed to the media his unwavering commitment to making a return to the Indian squad, emphasizing that he is now exerting significantly more effort than in the past.
He stated, "That is why I am playing. There’s no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That’s exactly why I’m playing and why I’m working so hard. The amount of effort I used to put in, I put in three times more today. I feel I’m giving not just 100%, but 200% to make that comeback."
The left-handed batsman highlighted the necessity of full dedication, mentioning that he only practices when he can give his all, avoiding any lackluster efforts. He reflected on his challenges, noting that he has learned from his experiences with maturity and self-awareness.
Shaw remarked, "If I’m not feeling good, then I won’t be practicing. You don’t get anything by practicing at 50%. If you’re on the ground, you give your 100%, or you don’t come to the ground at all. Whatever ups and downs happened, I faced them with respect and a smile. As you grow up, you realize your own mistakes. You don’t need seniors or mentors to tell you what you already know. It’s better if you understand those things yourself beforehand and then move forward."
The Delhi Capitals are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.