IPL 2026: 3 Teams that should look to bid for Prithvi Shaw in the auction

Prithvi Shaw’s talent is obvious — explosive hand-eye coordination, quick footwork, and a natural edge in powerplay — but inconsistency and fitness have dented his IPL stock. If Shaw is available at the Abu Dhabi mini-auction, several franchises should be ready to bid hard because he fills very specific tactical holes. Here are three teams that make perfect sense and why.

1) Chennai Super Kings

CSK loves players who offer role flexibility and conditioning for Chepauk’s slow, low decks. Shaw is a left-hand striker who can open or play as an aggressive No.3. His ability to hit through the offside and punish width suits Chepauk’s short square boundaries. 

CSK’s model of a steady top order and a middle that accelerates would let Shaw play with freedom early, while the seniors manage the pressure. If CSK build a clear plan around workload and technique, Shaw’s high-risk, high-reward game could be tamed into regular value.

2) Delhi Capitals 

A return to Delhi shouldn’t be ruled out either. DC know Shaw’s strengths better than anyone. Lightning starts, unmatched bat speed and the ability to derail a bowling plan inside three overs. They also know his limitations and how to structure an XI around him. 

DC have lacked genuine top-order explosiveness since his exit, and pairing him with Abhishek Porel or KL Rahul would instantly set the tone. With a familiar setup and lower expectations than before, Shaw could hit reset in a comfortable environment.

3) Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR’s decision-making around top-order explosiveness has been mercurial. Adding Shaw gives them a buy-low, high-ceiling option at the top. Shaw’s aggressive style mirrors the kind of innings KKR backs at Eden Gardens, where pace and bounce help timing. 

If KKR want a domestic opener who can produce immediate powerplay dividends without costing an overseas slot, Shaw fits cleanly, particularly if they can pair him with a responsible partner to temper collapses. Re-signing Shaw at a sensible price would be a pragmatic gamble

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