‘Hungry to prove a point’: Irfan Pathan backs Prithvi Shaw as Delhi Capitals opener
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan advocates for a bold Delhi Capitals opening pair, backing Prithvi Shaw to join KL Rahul. Pathan lauded Rahul as a consistent run-scorer and believes Shaw, returning after a strong domestic season, has a point to prove. He cautioned Shaw against self-imposed pressure, urging focus for a successful comeback.
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind a bold opening combination for Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026, backing Prithvi Shaw to partner the ever-reliable KL Rahul at the top. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan hailed Rahul as a dependable match-winner, describing him as a “safest bank” in the league. “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, brushing aside criticism around strike rates. “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,” he added.
Shaw backed to bounce back Pathan, however, reserved special praise for Shaw, who returns to the franchise after going unsold in the previous auction cycle. “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. The former opener’s recent domestic form adds weight to Pathan’s argument. After switching to Maharashtra, Shaw enjoyed a prolific run, finishing as their highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.