Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw

Role: Batter
DOB: 09 November 1999
IPL Team (2026): Delhi Capitals
Base Price: Retained (INR 7.5 Cr)

The Story of Prithvi Shaw

From the dusty maidans of Mumbai emerged a batting prodigy, Prithvi Shaw, whose journey to the IPL spotlight was nothing short of cinematic. Shaw first grabbed national attention at just 14, smashing a record-breaking 546 runs in a Harris Shield game, a feat that instantly stamped him as a future star. His aggressive, uninhibited style drew comparisons to Virender Sehwag, a testament to his fearless approach at the crease.

Shaw’s entry into the IPL came in 2018 when Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) snapped him up for INR 1.2 crore. He wasted no time making an impact, scoring a fifty on debut and showcasing glimpses of his explosive talent. His breakthrough moment, however, arrived in IPL 2019 with a scintillating 99 against Kolkata Knight Riders, an innings that, despite falling one short of a century, cemented his reputation as a genuine match-winner and a powerplay destroyer.

What defines Prithvi Shaw is his exceptional hand-eye coordination and a natural ability to find boundaries from the very first ball. He possesses a wide array of shots, particularly strong square of the wicket, and loves to dictate terms to the bowlers. While his career has seen its share of ups and downs, including a lean patch in 2023, his undeniable talent and the sheer audacity of his strokeplay ensure he remains one of the most exciting, albeit mercurial, openers in the league. His comeback seasons in 2024 and 2025 further underlined his resilience and commitment to reclaiming his spot among the IPL’s elite.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Prithvi Shaw’s IPL career has been a one-team affair, a testament to the Delhi Capitals’ faith in their dynamic opener. He was acquired by the then Delhi Daredevils in the 2018 auction for INR 1.2 crore. Since then, he has been an integral part of the franchise, consistently retained and entrusted with the crucial opening role. His journey with the Capitals has seen him evolve from a raw talent into a seasoned, albeit sometimes inconsistent, performer. Despite occasional dips in form, especially in 2020 and 2023, the Capitals management has shown immense patience, recognizing his potential to turn games on their head. His strong performances in 2021, followed by a significant bounce-back in 2024 and 2025, solidified his position, leading to his retention for the 2026 season at a reported INR 7.5 crore, highlighting his continued value to the squad.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

Prithvi Shaw is a high-risk, high-reward proposition for bettors, a true feast-or-famine player. His primary strength lies in his explosive powerplay hitting. When he’s on song, he can decimate bowling attacks, making him an excellent bet for “Player to score over X runs in the Powerplay” or “Player to hit the first boundary”. His strike rate, often hovering around 140-150, indicates his intent to score quickly, which is valuable for “Total Runs Over/Under” bets when he’s in form.

However, his aggressive style also contributes to his inconsistency. Shaw is susceptible to the moving ball early in his innings and can struggle against quality spin, particularly left-arm orthodox and leg-spinners who take the ball away from him. This makes him a risky bet for “Player Total Runs” if the pitch offers movement or if he’s up against a strong spin attack. Bettors should look for flat, true surfaces (like those in Delhi or Mumbai) and matchups against teams with weaker new-ball bowlers to maximize their returns on Shaw. Conversely, betting against him when facing top-tier swing bowlers or cunning spinners can be a shrewd move. His recent resurgence in 2024-2025 suggests a slight improvement in consistency, but his core attacking nature remains, making him a thrilling, albeit unpredictable, betting option.

Key Records & Milestones

• Scored 99 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019, the highest score by a Delhi Capitals opener at the time.
• Holds the record for the fastest fifty by a Delhi Capitals batsman, achieved in just 18 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.
• Smashed six consecutive fours in an over off Shivam Mavi of KKR in IPL 2021, a rare feat in T20 cricket.
• One of the youngest players to score an IPL fifty, achieving the milestone at 18 years and 169 days in 2018.
• Crossed the 2000 IPL runs mark in the 2024 season, showcasing his longevity and impact as an opener.

IPL Season Highlights

Prithvi Shaw’s IPL career has been punctuated by moments of brilliance. His 2021 season stands out as his most prolific, where he amassed 479 runs from 16 matches at an impressive average of 31.93 and a strike rate of 141.29. This season saw him score four half-centuries, including a blistering 72 off 45 balls against Punjab Kings and a dominant 82 off 41 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he famously hit six fours in an over.

Another memorable season was 2019, where he scored 353 runs. While the overall numbers weren’t his best, it was highlighted by his sensational 99 against KKR, an innings of pure power-hitting that almost single-handedly won the game for Delhi. His fearless approach and ability to take on any bowler were on full display.

Following a challenging 2023, Shaw made a strong comeback in 2024. He rediscovered his form, scoring 380 runs with three half-centuries, showcasing improved shot selection and consistency. This resurgence was crucial for the Delhi Capitals, with his aggressive starts often setting the tone for big totals. His 70 off 38 balls against Rajasthan Royals was a particular highlight, reminding everyone of his destructive capabilities.