IPL 2026 Auction: 3 Teams Most Likely to Bid Big for Prithvi Shaw
The IPL 2026 mini-auction will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With all teams announcing their retention lists, every franchise is now focused on building a strong and well-balanced squad for the new season. Many teams are searching for a powerful top-order batter who can give them a quick and aggressive start.
This is where Prithvi Shaw fits in perfectly. He is known for his fearless batting and ability to attack bowlers right from the first over. Because of this, he is expected to draw a lot of interest at the auction.
Rajasthan Royals might also look to recruit Prithvi Shaw. Since they have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi expected to open the batting, the No. 3 spot is vacant with Sanju Samson going to CSK and Shaw would provide a really good option to bolster their top order. He has solid domestic experience and decent international experience, which equips him with the tools to face different conditions and opposition bowling attacks.
Given that he plays positively and might look to attack within an over or two after the powerplay, he may be the ideal link between their openers and the middle order and give them a chance to push for a second IPL trophy.
Chennai Super Kings, five-time champions, are also strong suitors to pursue Prithvi Shaw. They boast Ruturaj Gaikwad already at the top of the order and have recently traded for Sanju Samson to enrich their batting, so Shaw will fit in their setup with ease.
He can either debut with Gaikwad or play a powerful, top-order batting role altogether while amplifying CSK's line-up alongside promising rookie, Ayush Mhatre. Shaw, a player with a strike rate of 147 in the IPL, would well fit the franchise's taste for aggressive powerplay batters who can set the tone in the first 10 overs. If added, Shaw could add much-needed depth to CSK's plans for a title run.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have one of the largest budgets for the mini-auction, meaning they can afford to go in heavy for Prithvi Shaw. They are badly in need of reliable Indian opening batsman, and there is little doubt that Shaw's attacking style of play sits well with the way the Knight Riders like to play. One can guess that with Sunil Narine likely to open and Ajinkya Rahane at three to stabilize the innings, Shaw would be a natural fit at the opposite end.
Shaw's natural stroke-play also fits the conditions at Eden Gardens, which has good bounce and a fast outfield; it is a great ground for a batsman who likes the timing of the ball and dominating a fielding team from the very start. KKR have made the priority of having a strong Indian opener, and Shaw is an obvious and attractive fit.
