Irfan Pathan Questions Delhi Capitals’ Decision to Leave Out Shaw and Porel

Irfan Pathan has asked for an explanation of Delhi Capitals’ selection choices after the team overlooked Prithvi Shaw and Abishek Porel in the starting line-up during a poor batting display.

Porel’s contribution

Porel did eventually come in as an Impact Player and top-scored with 30 off 33 balls before becoming Josh Hazlewood’s final wicket. He put together stands of 35 with David Miller and 19 with Kyle Jamieson, giving some resistance to an otherwise disappointing innings.

The young batter has been a steady performer for Delhi in recent seasons, with more than 600 runs at a strike rate above 150, including three half-centuries.

Shaw on the sidelines

Shaw, who has scored over 1,800 runs for the franchise, remains out of the side even though the top order has struggled. With Pathum Nissanka not delivering, a chance seemed to open up, yet the team chose 18-year-old Sahil Parakh, who was out for a duck off the second ball he faced.

Pressure mounting

Delhi now face a crucial stretch of IPL 2026. They meet Rajasthan Royals on May 1 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, sitting seventh on the table with only three wins from eight matches. They will need to turn results around quickly to stay in the playoff race.