Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind an interesting opening combination for Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026, backing Prithvi Shaw to partner KL Rahul at the top of the order. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted Rahul’s remarkable consistency in the IPL, describing him as one of the most dependable batters in the tournament’s history.
The numbers back that claim — KL Rahul has been a near-guarantee for 500-plus runs in almost every full season over the last decade. “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,” Irfan Pathan said. “He is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league.”
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Addressing the often-debated topic of Rahul’s strike rate, Pathan made it clear that impact matters more than perception. “We talk a lot about strike rate, but if your team is winning matches, that’s what matters most,” he added, subtly defending Rahul’s approach.
However, accommodating this opening pair could mean a reshuffle in the batting order. Players like Karun Nair and Abhishek Porel, who have shown promise, may need to adjust their roles. Rahul himself batted in the middle order for a large part of last season before moving up, where he even registered a century against Gujarat Titans.
Pathan was particularly optimistic about Shaw’s comeback story. Picked up for ₹75 lakh after going unsold previously, the Mumbai batter has a point to prove—and that hunger could work in Delhi’s favour. “They got him at a very good price. Players who go unsold often come back with extra motivation. Prithvi Shaw will be eager to prove himself,” Irfan Pathan noted.
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Shaw’s recent domestic form, including a strong showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, adds further weight to his case. But Irfan Pathan also issued a word of caution, stressing the importance of mental balance. “Comebacks bring excitement, but also pressure. If not managed well, that pressure can lead to failure,” he explained.
For Delhi Capitals, the message is clear—define roles early, back your players, and allow Shaw the freedom to rediscover his best at the top.
