3 reasons why KKR must sign Prithvi Shaw at IPL 2026 Auction

Talented opening batter Prithvi Shaw had faced a new low after going unsold in the previous Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction. After a difficult season with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2024, he was released after being one of their top retentions after the 2021 season.

Since then, the explosive batter has worked towards making a statement and a comeback. To his credit, he seems to be on the right path, with his performances making the headlines instead of controversies and misdemeanors.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the teams heading into the mega auction seeking a major rebuild, and having released the likes of Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a new opener is definitely on their shopping list.

On that note, let us take a look at three reasons why KKR must sign Prithvi Shaw at IPL 2026 Auction.

#1 KKR desperately need an aggressive option at the top to keep up with other batting units

KKR found tremendous success when they had aggressive options like Phil Salt and Sunil Narine at the top of the order in their triumphant 2024 campaign. However, with Narine not replicating the same kind of form, and in a steady decline, and newer options like Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz not delivering, the team have no choice but to search the auction pool for a modern-day opener.

While Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine were on the right side of things when it comes to strike rates in the powerplay phase, they did not exactly project themselves as a long-term reliable top-order pairing, and nor are they a glamorous pairing compared to what other teams have at the top.

KKR do have a massive purse that gives them the luxury to go after any target at the auction. But, they also have other priority slots to fill, which is likely to take the bulk out of the purse. In such a scenario, going after a bargain purchase for the top-order might be the way to go for the three-time winners.

Prithvi Shaw, despite all of his inconsistencies and struggles, has stayed true to his approach as a destructive opening batter that can take on any opposition bowling attack regardless of the conditions or situation. He has a healthy strike rate of 146.62 in the power play in his IPL career, and that number rises to 150.34. As far as T20s in 2024 are concerned, he scored at a rate of 153.39.

With his ability, current form and backing of the team management, there is surely potential for that number to be even higher, and be among the most explosive openers in the competition.

#2 Prithvi Shaw has been on the rise

Speaking about his form, the opening batter has had a memorable set of months since his switch to Maharashtra in the domestic circuit. After a disappointing 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign with the bat, which led him to being dropped, a switch and a fresh start have worked wonders for Shaw.

He marked his new stint with a stunning double century in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh. With a healthy start, he holds an average of 67.15 and a strike rate of 92.33 at the midway mark in the campaign.

Shaw has also translated his good rhythm and rich vein of form into white-ball cricket as well, after recently smashing a 36-ball 66 as captain, in the thumping win over Hyderabad.

After a long time, Shaw has finally looked even close to his best while being in a state where he has finally evolved from all of the off-field issues that were impacting his performances. KKR would be wise to get ahead of the curve and tap into the player's second win, since his talent is certainly unquestionable.

#3 Abhishek Nayar and Ajinkya Rahane could get the best out of him

A non-negotiable factor that Prithvi Shaw needs in his redemption arc is an environment that keeps him in check. There could potentially not be a better combination than KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar and skipper Ajinkya Rahane for that particular task.

Nayar has garnered a reputation for getting the best out of players and building them again from rock bottom. He played a massive hand in Dinesh Karthik's second coming, and also KL Rahul's revival in T20s, among other players' uprise in recent times.

Rahane, on the other hand, is a respected figure in Mumbai cricket, and has witnessed the rise of youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prithvi Shaw during his time as captain. There is also a famous instance where the veteran batter kept Shaw in check during his days as a prodigy in the Indian team.

"The batter went for a sweep and Prithvi got smacked. As he tried to limp off the park towards the dressing room, Ajinkya was quickly on his case. From his position at slip, he had clearly seen exactly where Prithvi had been hit, which was on the shin pad," Former India fielding coach R Sridhar had written in his book (via Hindustan Times).

"Rahane went up to him and said firmly, 'Don't take one more step. No one will replace you on the field. I know nothing's wrong with you, I saw the ball hit you on your shin pad. Maybe you were waiting for an opportunity to go back inside, but that's not happening. Go back to short leg and get into position'.

Playing under such a respected, well-known figure in a secure, revamped team environment would be the perfect fit for Prithvi Shaw, who is desperately looking to prove a point.