The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. It’s going to be a treat for the fans especially for the teams who are looking to strengthen their top order. One of the most sought after player is definitely Prithvi Shaw who might be the most expensive player overall.
Shaw is known for his aggressive and fearless batting and his attitude is just right. He could be the player that franchises want at the top position that has the ability to set the tone of the innings. If we see his recent performance he might be the most wanted player in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Prithvi Shaw’s recent form
After being released and going unsold Prithvi Shaw has worked really hard to get back into his form. His domestic numbers this year show his progress. In Ranji Trophy he has played 7 innings and scored 470 runs at an average of 67.14 and a strike rate of 92.34.
In the midst of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy the star player has scored 71 runs in 2 innings at an average of 35.50 and strike rate of 173.17.
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Teams likely to target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will be going into the mini-auction with a big purse and practically inviting Prithvi Shaw to make a big bid. The team’s biggest drawback last season was the opening slot. So KKR decided to release both Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz before IPL 2026.
Look at their numbers, Quinton de Kock scored just 152 runs in 8 innings last season while Gurbaz played only 5 games and scored 74 runs. By releasing both openers KKR will want to bring in an attacking opener to fill that gap. Shaw fits the bill.
Eden Gardens with its bounce and fast outfield will also be good for Shaw’s quick game. Pairing him with Sunil Narine or using him alongside Ajinkya Rahane (at No. 3) could give KKR the quick start they need.
2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG are looking to splash out a decent chunk of 22.95 crores on six new players at the auction after a disappointing 7th spot finish in IPL 2025. Theyre gonna be on the hunt for some serious fire-power to bolster their top order which already has a pretty good mix of international players.
So far, theyve got three overseas players topping the order in the form of Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh. Adding Shaw to the mix would help them to better utilise their foreign player slots and give their top order some much needed depth. Theyre keen on keeping the main guys in the team, with Rishabh Pant at the helm – but a dynamic & explosive Indian opener could make a big difference, especially in terms of team balance and the powerplay.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are another team who could consider making a play for Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026. As we saw in 2025, their opening partnerships were a major problem area – they were trying out all sorts of combinations – Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel & KL Rahul Who chipped in with 539 runs and Porel got 301 runs – but the top order just never clicked – which is why they parted ways with the services of Faf & Fraser-McGurk even before IPL 2026 got underway. You can’t blame them for letting go of Fraser-McGurk though – he didnt exactly set the world on fire with 55 in six games – and du Plessis, though experience counts for a lot, just didnt get going consistently.
Given Shaw’s history with the franchise, his ability to accelerate the scoring rate & all that – he could well be the missing piece of the jigsaw to fill the gaps at the top of the DC order in IPL 2026.
