As he prepares to return to the IPL with the Delhi Capitals, opener Prithvi Shaw is working “three times more” in an attempt to make a national comeback.
Shaw has now gone through a difficult period characterized by injuries, form problems, and off-field failures. Shaw last played for India during the Sri Lanka tour in July 2021.
Before making a comeback through domestic cricket, he went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction. Before his career took a turn for the worst, the Mumbai batsman became one of the youngest Indians to score a century on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018.
“I think that’s why I’m playing. There’s no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That’s why I’m working very hard. The amount of hard work I used to put in, I put in three times more today”, PTI quoted Shaw as saying.
“Actually, I don’t like to talk about it, but I feel that I’m giving not 100 percent, but 200 percent to come back to the Indian team, to win this trophy or to give 100 percent on a match day or on a practice day as well.
“Whatever ups and downs happened in the last few years, I took it all with a lot of respect and a smile. And obviously, it stays in my mind when I’ll be back. But there’s only one way to do it work hard and give your 100 percent. If you’ve made some mistakes, learn from them.”
Shaw, who was acquired for Rs 75 lakh (Rs 7.5 million) in the auction and is now back with the Delhi Capitals, views this IPL as a turning moment in his career.
“It’s always a new start. There are a lot of memories, but since its history now, it can’t be repeated. It’s a fresh start, a fresh team and a few new players. I was not there last year and I’m joining again this year. I’ve always believed in myself. My family has supported me. I’m not the type of person who thinks a lot. It’s all about the present for me.”
Shaw made an instant impression in the 2025–26 domestic season after moving from Mumbai to Maharashtra, including a scorching 222 in the Ranji Trophy. His first-class total of more than 5,000 runs at an average of 47 confirms his reputation as a top-order batter.
Shaw recently got engaged to actress and influencer Akriti Agarwal and he claims that their relationship has provided stability amid a trying time.
“I’m not married yet. I feel when you find a good partner, it’s the right time. Actually, it’s the first time I’m answering this question, that’s why I’m a little nervous. I don’t usually do this. But obviously, she has been my lucky charm. We both worked hard to build a relationship. It wasn’t easy for us as well. But we both understood where we belong. I’m a cricketer and she’s an actress.”
Shaw insisted that team success is still crucial despite the greater competition at the top of the order, which includes KL Rahul.
“I haven’t thought about it actually. If KL (Rahul) is opening and with whosoever is opening with him should have a great season. I won’t say that I should open. Whoever opens, should win us the match.
“Obviously, there is competition. Cricket is such a thing that whether you play Ranji Trophy, IPL, India, or India A, there will be competition. Today, there are 10 openers as you can see. So there will be competition,” he said.
Shaw stated that his current strategy is based more on effort than results.
“I think everyone has expectations. I’m not talking about the fans or the franchise, I’m talking about my family. They too have expectations.”
