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Prithvi Shaw’s comeback on the cards? 3 teams likely to target him in IPL 2026 mini auction

Sakshi Sharma

Prithvi Shaw in IPL (Source: AFP)Prithvi Shaw in IPL (Source: AFP)

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to be an interesting one, especially for teams looking to strengthen their top order. Among the players who could attract heavy bids, Prithvi Shaw stands out as one of the biggest potential targets.

Known for his aggressive and fearless batting, Shaw could be the player that franchises want at the top, someone who can attack from ball one and set the tone for the innings. Taking a look at his recent performance he can he in-demand player in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Prithvi Shaw’s recent form

After being released and going unsold earlier, Shaw has worked hard to return to form. His domestic numbers this year underline his progress. In Ranji Trophy, he has played  7 innings and made 470 runs at an average of 67.14 and strike-rate of 92.34. 

Criterion
Data
Innings
7
Runs470
Strike rate92.34
Average67.14

(Prithvi Shaw’s Ranji Trophy stats in 2025)

In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy the star player has made 71 runs in 2 innings at strike-rate of 173.17 and average of 35.50. 

Teams likely to target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026

1. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Criterion
Data
Matches79
Runs1892
Strike rate147.47
Average23.95

(Prithvi Shaw's IPL stats as an opener)

  • The first and foremost team that can target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026 is the Delhi Capitals (DC). The franchise struggled with their opening combinations in IPL 2025, using Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, and KL Rahul at different points. 
  • Even though Rahul (539 runs) and Porel (301 runs) performed well, the overall top-order was not consistent. Due to this, DC also decided to release openers Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of the upcoming season. It is important to note that the Australian star scored just 55 runs in six matches, while du Plessis was inconsistent despite his experience. 
  • With Shaw’s familiarity with the franchise, his ability to score quickly, he can fit DC's demand at the top of IPL 2026.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

  • KKR will enter the mini-auction with one of the largest purses, giving them enough room to bid for Prithvi Shaw. The team’s major weakness last season was its opening slot. So ahead of IPL 2026, KKR decided to release both Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. 
  • Taking a look at their stats, Quinton de Kock played 8 innings and made 152 runs last season, and Gurbaz played  5 games and made 74 runs. So, with KKR releasing both the openers, KKR will want to bring in an attacking opener to fill that void. Shaw perfectly matches their requirement.
  • Eden Gardens, with its bounce and quick outfield, will also suit Shaw’s natural game. Pairing him with Sunil Narine or using him alongside Ajinkya Rahane (at No. 3) could give KKR the fast starts they missed in 2025.

3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

  • LSG enter the auction with ₹22.95 crore remaining and six slots to fill. After finishing seventh in 2025, they will to invest in a solid opener to balance their overseas-heavy top order.
  • Currently, their top-order options include Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh (three overseas players). Adding Shaw would allow them to free up overseas slots and add more depth. LSG have retained a strong core under Rishabh Pant, but a dynamic Indian opener could make a big difference to their team combination and powerplay performance.