In a shocking turn of events at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, former India opener Prithvi Shaw went unsold for the second consecutive year. Despite reducing his base price to a modest Rs 75 lakh and showcasing impressive domestic form, the 26-year-old found no takers among the ten franchises.
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Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Journey at a Glance
| Category | Stats/Details |
|---|---|
| IPL Debut | 2018 with Delhi Capitals |
| Total Matches | 79 games |
| Total Runs | 1,892 runs |
| Average | 23.95 |
| Strike Rate | 147+ (powerplay specialist) |
| Half-Centuries | 14 fifties |
| Highest Score | 99 runs |
| Base Price (2026) | Rs 75 lakh |
| Previous Retention | Rs 7.5 crore (2022) |
The Shocking Unsold Status
Shaw appeared as the third player in the auction but attracted no bids despite his reduced base price. This marked a dramatic fall for someone who once commanded Rs 7.5 crore and was retained by Delhi Capitals multiple times.
The timing couldn’t be more ironic. Shaw recently scored a blazing 72-ball 200 against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy and accumulated 470 runs for Maharashtra this season. His domestic resurgence seemed to signal a comeback, but IPL franchises remained unconvinced.
Why Did Franchises Ignore Shaw?
While Shaw’s recent performances suggest he’s back in form, several factors likely influenced the franchises’ decisions:
Off-field concerns: Disciplinary and fitness issues have plagued Shaw’s career in recent years. He was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji squad midway through the 2024 season, raising questions about his professionalism.
Consistency issues: Despite flashes of brilliance, Shaw’s IPL average of 23.95 reveals struggles with consistency. His last few IPL seasons showed declining returns, making franchises hesitant.
Tough competition: With only 77 slots available across ten teams and a total purse of Rs 237.55 crore, franchises prioritized proven performers over potential redemption stories.
According to the official IPL website, Shaw’s 2021 season remains his best, where he smashed 479 runs and became only the second player to hit six boundaries in a single over. However, those glory days now seem distant.
Career Highlights Worth Remembering
Despite recent setbacks, Shaw’s cricketing journey includes remarkable achievements. He led India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2018 under Rahul Dravid’s coaching. At 18 years and 319 days, he became India’s youngest Test centurion on debut against the West Indies, following in Sachin Tendulkar’s footsteps.
For more insights on IPL 2026 auction strategies and player analyses, explore our comprehensive coverage at TechnoSports.
What’s Next for Shaw?
Going unsold twice consecutively represents a career crossroads for Shaw. The talented opener must now focus on sustaining his domestic form while addressing the concerns that have kept franchises at bay. His move to Maharashtra and recent performances suggest he’s working toward redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Prithvi Shaw go unsold in IPL 2026 despite good domestic form?
Despite scoring 470 runs for Maharashtra including a double century, Shaw went unsold due to persistent concerns about his fitness, discipline, and consistency. His off-field issues and declining IPL performances in recent seasons made franchises hesitant, even at his reduced base price of Rs 75 lakh.
Q2: What are Prithvi Shaw’s IPL career statistics?
Shaw has played 79 IPL matches, scoring 1,892 runs at an average of 23.95 with a strike rate above 147. He has 14 half-centuries with a highest score of 99. His best season came in 2021 when he scored 479 runs for Delhi Capitals and famously hit six fours in an over against KKR.
