Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a major challenge heading into the IPL 2026 auction after finishing eighth in the 2025 season. The franchise has made significant changes, including a coaching reshuffle. Chandrakant Pandit has stepped down, and Abhishek Nayar has taken over as head coach. Former star Andre Russell has returned as the new power coach following his retirement from IPL.
KKR will enter the mini-auction with one of the largest purses of ₹64.3 crore, giving them flexibility to bid strongly.
Abhishek Nayar recently said- "If there's one player I would like to work with who has the potential and messed it up, it's Prithvi Shaw. He is God’s gift to cricket. He is a gifted player, and his biggest strength is the amount of time he has (while judging the delivery).
He has a great set of hands and picks the ball very early. He is somebody who does well in swinging and seaming conditions. I remember him scoring his runs for Mumbai last year when we played together; he scored runs in tough conditions as well. I think he has got a great head on his shoulders and has a bright future ahead of him."
KKR under Abhishek Nayar can back his recent quote and the franchise might sign Prithvi Shaw. He went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction due to patchy form and fitness concerns. But one year later, the story has changed dramatically.
Prithvi Shaw's recent performance
Criterion
Data
Innings
7
Runs
470
Strike rate
92.34
Average
67.14
(Prithvi Shaw’s Ranji Trophy stats in 2025)
Taking a look at his recent performance, he can also make a potential comeback in cricket. In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, he scored 470 runs in seven innings at an average of 67.14 and a strike-rate of 92.34. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 183 runs at a strike rate of 160.53.
If we take a look at his recent stats, after moving to Maharashtra, Shaw has found lost consistency and mental clarity amid chaos. The off-field noise around him has become less now, and his performances have done all the talking.
KKR’s opening troubles and why shaw fits the bill
Criterion
Data
Matches
79
Runs
1892
Strike rate
147.47
Average
23.95
(Prithvi Shaw's IPL stats as an opener)
The fact that cannot be denied is that KKR's opening slot was one of the weakest links in 2025. Quinton de Kock scored just 152 runs in eight innings, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed 74 runs in five matches. Both players have been released ahead of IPL 2026.
So, having said this, the 2024 champions need a strong opener ahead of the upcoming season - Prithvi Shaw fits the bill perfectly.
His aggressive style will suit the bounce and quick outfield of Eden Gardens. Pairing him with Sunil Narine will also help KKR regain the fast-start strategy in IPL 2026. Shaw's fearless strokeplay, quick scoring ability, and potential to lead the powerplay also make him an ideal candidate for KKR as an opener.
Nayar could unlock Shaw’s true potential
If KKR picks Prithvi Shaw, he can also revive his IPL career. The Kolkata-based franchise can also likely give him the right environment.
KKR's new coach, Nayar, has a strong record of rebuilding players' careers; he has also mentored several cricketers like KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and many more. With the support of KKR’s management and coaching staff, Shaw can get back into the spotlight and regain his IPL success.
In many ways, the IPL 2026 auction could be the beginning of Prithvi Shaw 2.0, and KKR might be the franchise to unlock it.
Conclusion
Prithvi Shaw could be a budget-friendly pick for KKR in IPL 2026. With his talent, red-hot domestic form, and the right environment, Shaw can provide explosive starts, complement the middle order, and transform KKR's top order for the upcoming season. His comeback could not only revive his career but also be a crucial factor in KKR’s quest to return to the top.
Prithvi Shaw in IPL (Source: AFP)
