Prithvi Shaw backed for IPL return despite controversial past amid DC struggles: 'He's on the right path'

Delhi Capitals could be set for a bold selection call as Prithvi Shaw finds himself in contention for a return to the playing XI despite a turbulent few years marked by fitness and disciplinary concerns.

The discussion around Shaw’s comeback gained momentum after Delhi Capitals suffered a 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday. With three losses in six matches and their campaign losing momentum, DC are now under pressure to make changes and find the right combination, especially in the batting department.

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle believes Shaw could still be a valuable option at the top of the order. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Bhogle said Shaw’s recent interviews suggest a shift in mindset.

"I've been reading a few of Prithvi Shaw's interviews off late. And he's talking about all that he did wrong and how he's on the right path, how he is doing things right. It is okay. It might be telling a good story. I don't know him well enough. So I'll give him the benefit of doubt. But he's just the kind of person who, if he bats 15, 20 balls, is going to give you that start," Bhogle.

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Simon Doull says it could be an option

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull also backed the idea, pointing out the tactical flexibility Shaw’s inclusion could bring. He suggested that replacing Pathum Nissanka with Shaw could allow DC to tweak their overseas combination, potentially adding a pacer like Dushmantha Chameera for extra firepower.

"It's an option. It gives them another option to bring in Chameera as well if they want to bring him from a bowling point of view. You know, they can just sort of straight swap those two. If they leave Nissanka out, bring Prithvi Shaw in, and then they can bring in Chameera, from a bowling point of view, if they want to, have 2 overseas batters in their batting lineup, and and then 2 overseas bowlers in Ngidi and Chameera to just give them a little point of difference with some genuine pace, which Chameera's got if they want to. So yeah, it could be an option. It's not too late. They're on a bit of a losing run now, aren't they?" Doull said on Cricbuzz.

Shaw’s career has not been smooth in recent years. Questions over his fitness and discipline saw him dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji side, while he even went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

However, the 2025-26 domestic season marked a turning point. After moving to Maharashtra, Shaw scored 537 runs in seven matches. He has also publicly admitted his past mistakes and claimed to be putting in "200% effort" to get back to his best.

He finally returned to the IPL after being picked up at his base price by DC. However, Shaw is yet to play a match this season and is still waiting for an opportunity for redemption.