‘You Have A Gun Opener’: Murali Kartik Questions DC Over Prithvi Shaw Snub

Murali Kartik criticised Delhi Capitals for ignoring Prithvi Shaw after their eight-wicket defeat to KKR pushed them close to IPL 2026 elimination.

Delhi Capitals moved close to IPL 2026 elimination after Kolkata Knight Riders handed them an eight-wicket defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. The loss left Axar Patel’s side struggling badly with only three league matches remaining. Delhi’s team selection also came under heavy criticism, especially over the continued absence of Prithvi Shaw.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik questioned the decision of ignoring Prithvi Shaw during a discussion on Cricbuzz. Kartik said Delhi picked Shaw for a reason and should have used him as an attacking opener. He added that Shaw could have given the batting unit more flexibility at the top order instead of the management constantly looking at other options.

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 “If you had Prithvi Shaw, okay, he was in the wilderness in the last two years. You brought him back; you picked him in the auction on the basis of some logic. You have not looked at him. If you pick him at the top, it opens up options for you. You have got a gun opener. He’s there for a reason. You are looking at everybody except Prithvi Shaw,” he said.

In the match, Kolkata Knight Riders pushed Delhi Capitals close to IPL 2026 with this win. KKR bowlers controlled the match brilliantly, with Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Anukul Roy slowing the scoring rate during the middle overs. Delhi managed only 142/8 despite Pathum Nissanka’s half-century and Ashutosh Sharma’s 39 off 28 balls.

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KKR then finished the chase comfortably with 35 balls remaining. Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off 47 deliveries and completely overpowered the DC attack. Cameron Green supported him with an unbeaten 33 as KKR registered their fourth straight win to stay alive in the playoff race.