Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund has backed Prithvi Shaw to open the innings with KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL 2026. Mukund reckons Shaw can give a brisk start to DC while opening the innings as he can make the most of the Powerplay Overs.

Shaw had not played in IPL 2025 as he had gone unsold in the auction. He was bought at his base price of INR 75 lakhs in IPL 2026 mini auction by Delhi Capitals. 

The right-hander has scored 1892 runs in 79 IPL matches at an average of 23.95 and a strike rate of 147.47.

Mukund said DC must not play an overseas opener as they would want to play both David Miller and Tristan Stubbs in the middle order.

“They shouldn’t have an overseas opener at the top because you have to fit Stubbs and Miller in the middle. Both of them must play. I would go with Rahul and Shaw to open,” said Mukund on ESPN Cricinfo.

The former Tamil Nadu opener recalled that DC could not get solid starts in the previous season when they backed Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis.

“Last year, DC didn’t get those starts in the first three to overs, especially in a high-scoring venue like Arun Jaitley or even Vizag. That’s why they went for McGurk and Faf at the top and bat KL at 4. They wanted more explosions. Now with KL back at the top, are you really going with another 140 to 150 strike rate batter in Nissanka? Or are you tempted to go with Prithvi Shaw? You’ve picked him.”

“If you want those first six overs to go in the 70s and 80s, is Abishek Porel or Nisanka your best bet, or is it Prithvi Shaw? Once you’ve picked Shaw, is there an option you play him? I know there are tons of off-field issues with him. But having picked him, can you afford to give him a run for giving you that fast start?”

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow on 1st April.