Delhi Capitals co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi has opened up on the franchise’s decision to bring back Prithvi Shaw during the IPL 2026 auction, calling it a well-thought-out move aimed at giving the batter a fresh opportunity to revive his career.
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Shaw, who was first picked by Delhi Capitals in 2018 after leading India to the U-19 World Cup title, spent seven seasons with the franchise before being released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite his pedigree, the Maharashtra batter went unsold last season and again failed to attract bids in the early stages of the IPL 2026 auction. It was only during the final phase of the accelerated round that DC brought Shaw back at his base price, marking a homecoming for the 25-year-old.
‘A second chance to make a strong comeback’ says Delhi Capitals co-owner
Speaking after the auction, Grandhi said the franchise believes in Shaw’s ability and sees this as an opportunity for the opener to rediscover his best form. “Prithvi has done well for Delhi Capitals in the past. Every player goes through ups and downs, and this is an opportunity for him to make a strong comeback,” Grandhi said. “We see this as a second chance for Prithvi, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him return to Delhi, take this opportunity seriously and give his best for the team.”
During his first stint with the Capitals, Shaw featured in 79 matches and scored 1,892 runs, playing a key role in the franchise’s rise as a competitive unit in the league.
Grandhi also reflected on DC’s overall auction strategy, expressing satisfaction with how the squad has taken shape. The franchise made early, calculated buys before making a major investment in Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar, who was snapped up for ₹8.4 crore.
“We went into the auction with a clear plan and were able to secure most of the players we had identified,” Grandhi said. “We targeted experienced overseas batters like David Miller and Ben Duckett to strengthen those slots, while also investing in the future with young talent like Sahil Parakh. We also picked up a very promising bowler in Auqib, who has been performing consistently.”
Confident about the season ahead, Grandhi added that the Capitals have built a balanced squad capable of challenging for the title. “If we play as a unit, show courage on the field and make the most of our opportunities, we have a very good chance this season. Our fans deserve nothing less.”
