Irfan Pathan Advocates for Prithvi Shaw's Return as Opener for Delhi Capitals
Pathan's Insights on Delhi Capitals' Opening Strategy
Following a significant win against the Gujarat Titans in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that the Delhi Capitals should consider bringing back Prithvi Shaw as an opener for their upcoming game against the Mumbai Indians. In their first match, the Capitals opted for KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka as openers, leaving Shaw on the bench. Unfortunately, both openers struggled during a tough chase, making the decision less effective.
Shaw is making his return to the IPL after missing the previous season. Although he was released before IPL 2025 and went unsold at the mega auction, the Capitals have shown renewed confidence in him. He has been impressive in domestic competitions, scoring crucial runs in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the 50-over format, he maintained a strike rate exceeding 100, accumulating 193 runs at an average of 32.17 over six innings, which included two half-centuries. In the T20 format, he scored 183 runs in seven matches, averaging 26.14 with a strike rate above 160, also hitting two fifties.
Having not represented India since 2021, Shaw is eager to make a significant impact this season with the Delhi Capitals. From 2018 to 2024, he played for the team, amassing 1,892 runs in 79 innings at a strike rate of 147.46, which included 14 fifties and a top score of 99, with an average close to 24.
Pathan strongly believes that Shaw should be part of the playing XI. He stated, "Play Prithvi Shaw. It is crucial to include him. However, Delhi might lean towards Pathum Nissanka. In my lineup, I would choose either Prithvi Shaw or Abhishek Porel, but I would definitely opt for Prithvi Shaw," he mentioned on his YouTube channel.
Pathan also analyzed the upcoming match, emphasizing that KL Rahul will be up against a formidable Mumbai Indians bowling lineup featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, and Allah Ghazanfar. He remarked, "We know KL Rahul's capabilities, but the challenge lies in the quality of the bowling he faces. With Boult, Hardik, Bumrah, and Allah Ghazanfar, there is real talent in that attack, and Bumrah is always a key player. Mumbai will need to strategize effectively against KL Rahul, as he is one of the best batters in the entire lineup," he concluded.