Prithvi Shaw, who represented Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2024, surprisingly went unsold at the previous IPL auction. Once valued at INR 7.5 crore by DC, the opener did not attract a single bid at his base price of INR 75 lakh last year. Concerns around form and work ethic played a major role, and the snub served as a wake-up call for the batter.

Since then, Prithvi has shed weight, switched domestic teams, and regained his run-scoring touch.

Prithvi Shaw sparks bidding war at Ashwin’s mock IPL auction

With the official IPL 2026 auction set for December 16, Ravichandran Ashwin hosted a mock auction on his platform, where Prithvi Shaw turned out to be one of the biggest talking points.

Listed at a base price of INR 75 lakh, the same as in the real auction, Shaw triggered an immediate bidding contest. Bengaluru opened the proceedings, with Delhi joining shortly after. The tussle continued until Bengaluru backed out at INR 2 crore. Lucknow took their place, bidding against Delhi until the price hit INR 4 crore, when Delhi also withdrew.

Kolkata Knight Riders then joined the fight. Lucknow pushed the bidding up to INR 5 crore before finally stepping away, allowing Kolkata to secure Shaw for INR 5.25 crore in the mock scenario.

Whether this mock auction frenzy translates into real interest at the official IPL 2026 auction remains to be seen. With Shaw named in the marquee set, franchises are expected to keep an eye on him, but the final verdict will come on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

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