Irfan Pathan Backs Prithvi Shaw-KL Rahul Opening Pair For Delhi Capitals In IPL 2026

Irfan Pathan backs Prithvi Shaw and KL Rahul as Delhi Capitals’ ideal opening pair, while urging clarity in roles and cautioning against pressure on Shaw.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind KL Rahul as a dependable figure for Delhi Capitals heading into IPL 2026. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted Rahul’s remarkable consistency with the bat, emphasizing his ability to deliver season after season.

“KL Rahul is the safest bank to score 500 runs every season. He will always score runs and is capable of giving good starts consistently. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league,” Pathan said.

He also addressed the ongoing debate around Rahul’s strike rate, stating, “It is just that we sometimes talk about his strike rate, but as long as you win the match, you do not need to focus much on that.”

Strong Case For Shaw’s Return As Opener

Pathan strongly advocated for Prithvi Shaw to partner Rahul at the top of the order, believing the combination could provide Delhi with explosive starts. Shaw, who returned to the franchise for ₹75 lakh after going unsold previously, is seen as a player with a point to prove.

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“They got him at a very good price. I think those hungry players who went unsold last year always come with a point to prove. Prithvi Shaw will come to prove a point,” he said.

Shaw’s recent domestic form further strengthens his case, especially after finishing as Maharashtra’s leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, his inclusion could mean a reshuffle involving players like Karun Nair and Abhishek Porel, who have performed well in similar roles.

Warning On Pressure And Need For Clarity

While backing Shaw, Pathan also cautioned about the mental challenges that often accompany a comeback. He stressed the importance of handling pressure and maintaining clarity in roles within the team setup.

“The hungry players who have gotten dropped are very excited, but along with that, they also put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform. This pressure always leads you towards failure,” he noted.

Pathan concluded by urging the team management to clearly define roles and show faith in Shaw as an opener, which could help Delhi Capitals build a stable and aggressive top order for IPL 2026.