It's not every day that a player is compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. And it's even rarer for someone to be fast-tracked into the Indian national team and smash a 99-ball century on their Test debut. Prithvi Shaw seemed to have everything going for him, just like any aspiring cricketer dreams of. Yet, after eight years, his crowning achievement remains leading India to an Under-19 World Cup victory, and he has since faded into the background. 

But now, life has thrown him a lifeline. That lifeline comes from the Delhi Capitals, the only IPL team Shaw has ever played for. After seven consecutive seasons with the franchise from 2018 to 2024, he was released by the management.

The then-head coach, Ricky Ponting, was left disappointed with Shaw's performance, and after two lackluster seasons, DC decided it was time to move on. 

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You could say Shaw was thrust into the spotlight a bit too soon in his career earlier than most players. That might have weighed heavily on him, especially since he was still a teenager at the time.

Now, at 26, he’s on the brink of what could be his prime years. Just like Ishan Kishan made a strong return to form with the national team, Shaw is eager to do the same. 

He’s got the confidence to back it up, too, having performed well in the 2025/26 domestic season after switching from Mumbai to Maharashtra. He scored 183 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.53 in the SMAT and had a fantastic Ranji Trophy season. Playing for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Maharashtra, he racked up 537 runs at an average of 48.82, with a strike rate of 91.64 that was among the best. The highlight of his season was a stunning 222 early on. 

Now, he’s setting his sights on a comeback. Speaking to reporters before the new season, Shaw expressed his desire to make a big splash. He’s giving it his all in training and is determined to put forth his best effort this season.