Prithvi Shaw Set to Replace This Star Indian Opener In IPL 2026

Discarded India opener Prithvi Shaw has often made headlines, but they have been for the wrong reasons mostly. He was left out of Mumbai’s squads for both the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, and to make matters worse, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Once seen as a future superstar of Indian cricket, Shaw’s career appeared to have hit rock bottom, and there was widespread criticism for his attitude and commitment to the game.

However, Prithvi Shaw seemed determined to turn things around and made a bold decision a few months ago to switch teams, from Mumbai to Maharashtra. He has made a stunning comeback to the spotlight since with a sensational double century in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy. His knock has not only showcased his return to top form but also sparked strong interest from several IPL franchises. Shaw has once again established himself as one of the most exciting and in-demand Indian batters ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, courtesy of his Ranji heroics.

Prithvi Shaw Replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad Confirmed?

In an interesting turn of events, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently caught everyone’s attention by sharing a video of Prithvi Shaw on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle. In the clip that was posted months ago, Shaw was talking about his memories of Chennai and what makes the city special to him. The post immediately created a buzz and sparked curiosity among fans, as it’s quite rare for a franchise to feature a player who isn’t currently part of their squad.

Shaw’s appreciation of Chennai and CSK’s decision to highlight them have started a speculation that something might be happening behind the scenes. Many fans believe the franchise could be eyeing Shaw in the IPL 2026 auction or may already be in talks with him.

Prithvi Shaw IPL 2026 team is not yet confirmed but if this speculation turns out to be true, a potential opening pair of him and Ayush Mhatre could be possible. Skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, might step down from his opening position as he has often done for CSK in the past. Shaw's inclusion also brings Gaikwad's place in CSK under threat.

If this happens, Shaw, who was once one of the best batsmen in India, will also get a chance to play alongside MS Dhoni. However, not everyone is convinced there’s more to it. Some suggest that the video might simply be a promotional post celebrating the city of Chennai, with no connection to any player moves.

Will Prithvi Shaw Play IPL 2026?

Prithvi Shaw’s stunning double century in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy has truly put him back in the spotlight, sparking talk that an IPL 2026 comeback may be on the cards. After a tough year, where he was dropped from Mumbai’s domestic squads and went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw silenced his critics with a 222 off just 156 balls for Maharashtra against Chandigarh.

His innings saw him reach a double hundred in only 141 deliveries, which was one of the fastest in Ranji Trophy history and reminded everyone of the explosive talent that once made him one of Indian cricket’s brightest young talents.

This performance has not only revived his reputation but also caught the attention of some of the best teams in IPL, such as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, who might be looking for a fearless top-order batter. As a result, Prithvi Shaw CSK inclusion news might become true.

Shaw’s aggressive style and the ability to dominate power plays make him an ideal fit for the T20 format. More importantly, this knock shows a change in mindset; he looks more focused and determined to prove himself again. However, while his Ranji heroics have undoubtedly strengthened his case, an IPL 2026 contract isn’t confirmed yet and is just a speculation among fans.