The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season began with high anticipation, but the spotlight quickly shifted from on-field action to team selection controversy as Delhi Capitals (DC) faced criticism for leaving out Prithvi Shaw in their opening clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Fans were left surprised and disappointed when the young opener, who was expected to make a strong comeback this season, was neither included in the playing XI nor listed among the impact substitutes.

Delhi Capitals’ move to ignore Prithvi Shaw raises eyebrows

After winning the toss at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, DC skipper Axar Patel opted to bowl first. Speaking at the toss, Axar confirmed that Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka would make his IPL debut and open the innings alongside KL Rahul. While the inclusion of Nissanka added freshness to the lineup, it was Shaw’s absence that dominated discussions.

Interestingly, Axar did not provide any explanation for Shaw’s omission, leaving fans and experts speculating about the reasons behind the decision. Given Shaw’s reputation as an aggressive top-order batter and his return to the franchise this season, expectations were high for him to feature prominently.

Fans express disappointment on Shaw’s exclusion

As soon as the team sheets were announced, fans took to social media platforms to voice their frustration. Many questioned the team management’s decision to overlook a player known for his explosive starts, especially in a format like T20 cricket where powerplay performance often sets the tone.

Several users pointed out that Shaw’s exclusion, even from the impact substitutes list, hinted at deeper concerns—be it form, fitness, or team strategy. Others argued that backing a proven IPL performer like Shaw in the opening game could have provided DC with a more aggressive edge at the top.

The backlash reflects the strong connection Shaw shares with fans, who have followed his journey closely and were eager to see him make a statement this season.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Pathum Nissanka ahead of prithvi shaw ….?? Are you serious 😦 what’s wrong with Delhi

— Depressed Jerry 🍑🏳️‍🌈🚩 (@Retired_Fan69) April 1, 2026

Prithvi Shaw opening the batting when Starc returns will save their season and his career https://t.co/KZjnKCO4TT

— Tingus Pingis (@bent_copper) April 1, 2026

prithvi shaw 💔

— rojojabbit (@mxn10_) April 1, 2026

Prithvi Shaw not even in impact subs😭😭😭 https://t.co/NBLqsMHjLd

— GK (@FCBxRCB) April 1, 2026

Thode din baad Prithvi Shaw ke liye bhi justice gang dekhne ko mil sakti hai.

— Navkaar.jain (@navkaarrjain20) April 1, 2026

DELHI CAPITALS BIG MISTAKES

– Selecting Nissanka in place Of Prithvi Shaw
– Only Lungi Ngidi in Playing XI
– D’mantha Chameera is left out
– Bowling Gets weak#ipl2026 #DCVSLSG pic.twitter.com/ufln3d0uUu

— Raja (@_raja_kumar) April 1, 2026

Disappointing to not have Prithvi Shaw in this lineup.

— Chirag Wakaskar (चिराग वाकसकर) (@chiragwakaskar) April 1, 2026

Shocking that not a single soul wants to give Prithvi Shaw a chance

— Pranav Mohan Lal (@pranavlal21) April 1, 2026

Where is prince prithvi shaw 😢

— ‘ (@defendkohly18) April 1, 2026

Also WATCH: LSG captain Rishabh Pant gifts bat to Ayush Badoni with hilarious warning

Playing XI of both sides

Delhi Capitals fielded a balanced XI featuring a mix of experience and youth. Alongside Rahul and Nissanka, players like David Miller and Tristan Stubbs were expected to bolster the middle order, while the bowling attack included the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and T Natarajan.

On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, also made notable selection calls. Despite having a strong squad, LSG left out promising names such as Mayank Yadav and Arjun Tendulkar from their playing XI, showcasing the depth and competition within the squad.

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact Subs: Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair.

Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (captain/wk), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Chowdhary, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Prince Yadav.

Impact Subs: Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akshat Raghuvanshi.

Also READ: Arjun Tendulkar makes a stunning revelation about his personal life ahead of LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash