Former India batter Prithvi Shaw made an emotional return to Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 season after the franchise had released him before the IPL 2025 auction. Shaw had been part of the Delhi franchise from 2018 to 2024 and was retained for ₹7.5 crore ahead of IPL 2024 before his departure.
When the franchise purchased him again at the IPL 2026 auction for ₹75 lakh, it marked a homecoming for the opening batter. However, Shaw failed to get a game throughout the entire IPL 2026 season, prompting
cricket analyst Aakash Chopra to weigh in on the situation.
The retention deadline for IPL 2027 is set for November 17, with the BCCI moving the original November 15 cut-off because it clashed with the fifth ODI between India and New Zealand at Bay Oval. The IPL 2027 mini auction will take place on December 16 at ITC Grand Goa, marking the first auction on Indian soil since 2022. Chopra has made his position clear on whether Delhi Capitals should keep Shaw or let him go.
"If you feel like playing Prithvi Shaw, then keep him. Otherwise, let that guy go. This is a serious one. By keeping him for ₹75 lakh, you are wasting his time. So I would say just release him," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
What should Delhi Capitals do about their fast bowling?
Chopra's recommendation reflects a broader concern about how franchises manage their squad resources. Shaw's inability to feature in any match during IPL 2026 despite being purchased at the auction has raised questions about his future at the franchise. Rather than holding onto a player without utilising his services, Chopra believes Delhi Capitals should make a decisive call on Shaw's future and either commit to playing him or release him to allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Beyond Shaw, Chopra also addressed other squad concerns for Delhi Capitals, particularly their fast bowling department. He identified the pace attack as a visible weakness that requires immediate attention.
"Aaqib Nabi is ₹8.40 crore. So, I will release him first because releasing him will also release a lot of money. You need that money to buy some players or you exchange him with someone. You have a problem that you need to address," Chopra said.
"You need more fast bowlers. Indian fast bowlers are Mukesh Kumar and Aaqib Nabi and Madhav Tiwari. Your weaknesses are visible in fast bowling," he added.
Chopra suggested that Delhi Capitals should explore trade options with Gujarat Titans or Lucknow Super Giants to acquire additional fast bowlers in exchange for a middle-order batter, allowing the franchise to address their bowling shortage.
"Talk to Gujarat. They have a lot of fast bowlers or Lucknow. They have a lot of fast bowlers. Both of them need middle order batters, which you can give in exchange for fast bowlers," he added.
