As per Mohammed Kaif, it was a matter of embarrassment for Prithvi Shaw when he got unsold at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction despite setting his base price at Rs 75 lakh. Shaw was dubbed undisciplined and overweight for a long time and was even ousted from his domestic Mumbai team. Now, he has switched his allegiance. After some turbulent years, Shaw is part of Maharashtra now and even led in six of the seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
The SMAT acts as a talent feeder to the IPL teams. While Shaw’s abilities are unknown to none, he has shown glimpses of a comeback in this domestic season. In the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, Shaw has hammered 470 runs at an incredible average of 67.14, a tally that includes a fast double century.
In SMAT, Shaw has already sent a message with a fiery 23-ball fifty. The 26-year-old, who has previously played 79 IPL games for Delhi Capitals (DC), has operated at a strike rate of 160.53 in the tournament. With him registering once again at the IPL 2026 auction, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, Shaw could be one of the dark horses. With not many huge names available, teams should definitely look at him, and perhaps Shaw can finally redeem his career, which was meant to see terrific success after the Under-19 ODI World Cup 2018 triumph.
On that note, we take a look at three IPL teams who can look to sign Prithvi Shaw at IPL 2026 mini auction.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Players Retained: 17
Players Released: 9
IPL 2026 Auction Purse Remaining: INR 2.75 crore
Slots Remaining: 5 (1 overseas)
Considering Shaw went unsold at the previous auction, there might be a situation where no other team raises a paddle for him. That is where the Mumbai Indians (MI) could come in. With just Rs 2.75 crore in their purse, they can do with a base price pick and it would be wonderful if they get hold of Shaw.
A local talent, Shaw has played the majority of his cricket at Wankhede Stadium. The red-soil wicket is something Shaw would enjoy, as he likes pace on the ball. Currently, MI have a set opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, with the latter also doubling up as a keeper. However, there’s no backup opener and Shaw could be perfect. Shaw could gel well with fellow Mumbaikars in Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Rohit.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Players Retained: 12
Players Released: 10
IPL 2026 Auction Purse Remaining: INR 64.3 crore
Slots Remaining: 13 (6 overseas)
The team that will enter the IPL 2026 auction with the fattest purse of Rs 64.30 crore, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), can bully all the teams at the event. However, Prithvi Shaw could be one of their surprise picks. With just Ajinkya Rahane as a specialist opener currently, KKR need some firepower up top. Yes, they can always have the Sunil Narine option available; KKR definitely need more Indians.
If KKR chooses, they can have a fiery duo of Narine and Shaw up top. At the Eden Gardens, which has shorter boundaries, it could cause mayhem for the opposition. Also, Maharashtra had their base in Kolkata only during the SMAT. Hence, Shaw, playing all seven games in the tournament, would now be more accustomed to the environment and conditions of the City of Joy.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Players Retained: 17
Players Released: 8
IPL 2026 Auction Purse Remaining: INR 22.95 crore
Slots Remaining: 6 (4 overseas)
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got extremely lucky and unfortunate at the same time last season. The trio of Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran delivered their personal best seasons and scored almost 50 percent of the team’s total runs at IPL 2025. Rishabh Pant had a horrible season and LSG failed to qualify for the knockouts despite their strong top three.
Now, it would be certain that both Marsh and Markram would be having a hard time replicating their heroics. Teams would be more prepared to bowl to the overseas opening duo next year and hence it would be sensible to have an Indian backup opener for LSG. Prithvi Shaw could be perfect for them, as he won’t compromise on the aggressive batting that skipper Pant would endorse. Interestingly, LSG were interested in signing Shaw last season as well.
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