IPL 2026: Should LSG And DC Finally Give Arjun Tendulkar And Prithvi Shaw A Chance?
Calls grow for LSG and DC to test Arjun Tendulkar and Prithvi Shaw as IPL 2026 playoff hopes fade.
In the midst of a tense IPL 2026 playoff race, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are being urged to consider bold selection calls involving two high-profile yet underutilised players — Arjun Tendulkar and Prithvi Shaw. With both franchises struggling for consistency and sitting low on the points table, discussions have intensified around whether giving opportunities to youngsters at this stage could change their fortunes. The central argument is simple: with limited momentum left in the season, there is little to lose and potentially much to gain.
For LSG, the conversation revolves around Arjun Tendulkar, a bowling all-rounder who has remained on the sidelines despite squad rotation issues. The team already possesses several pace options, which has limited his chances, but critics argue that depth alone should not prevent experimentation when results are lacking. Given the team’s position and inconsistent performances, Arjun’s left-arm pace could provide variety, especially in crunch overs where match balance often shifts quickly.
There is also a growing view that LSG may not be fully utilising Arjun’s all-round potential. While their batting order has leaned heavily on established names, the lower middle order has struggled to finish games consistently. Arjun, positioned at No. 7, could offer a dual role — contributing a few overs with the ball and adding late-order hitting strength. In a season where small margins have decided matches, such flexibility could be valuable even if the returns are modest.
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On the other hand, Delhi Capitals’ situation with Prithvi Shaw is more about untapped batting firepower. Once an Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, Shaw has seen his career dip sharply in recent years, even going unsold in IPL 2025 before being picked up again. Despite occasional opportunities, including selection debates around overseas opener choices, he has struggled to secure a stable place in the XI, with DC experimenting with alternatives like younger batters and overseas options.
Shaw’s case is further complicated by form and selection inconsistency, but his natural stroke play and aggressive intent remain well recognised. Even when Pathum Nissanka failed to deliver, DC opted for other experiments instead of persisting with Shaw. While questions about discipline and consistency persist, supporters argue that such players often need extended backing rather than sporadic chances, especially when a team is still mathematically in contention for playoffs.
Ultimately, the question facing both franchises is not just about Arjun Tendulkar or Prithvi Shaw, but about risk versus reward in a stalled campaign. At worst, the teams may get performances similar to their current underwhelming returns. At best, they could unearth match-winners at a critical stage. With playoff hopes still alive but fragile, giving these youngsters a chance may be less of a gamble and more of a necessary reset.
