Prithvi Shaw and Arjun Tendulkar Remain Benched as IPL 2026 Playoff Hopes Fade for Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants

Key facts

• Delhi Capitals are seventh and Lucknow Super Giants tenth in the IPL 2026 points table.
• Prithvi Shaw was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 75 lakh before IPL 2026 after going unsold in 2025.
• Arjun Tendulkar, a left-arm pace bowling all-rounder, has not played a match for LSG in IPL 2026.
• Delhi Capitals selected 18-year-old Sahil Parakh ahead of Shaw against Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Parakh was bowled for a duck.
• Pathum Nissanka returned to the Delhi XI and scored a half-century against Rajasthan Royals after a poor run.
• LSG's Himmat Singh has scored 35 runs in three matches in IPL 2026, with a highest of 19.
• Both teams could still qualify for playoffs with wins in remaining matches, but odds are slim.

A Shared Fate of Benched Talent

Fifteen years after they sat together at Wankhede Stadium watching Sachin Tendulkar lift the 2011 World Cup, Arjun Tendulkar and Prithvi Shaw find themselves in an eerily similar position: both are yet to feature in IPL 2026 despite their teams' playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Lucknow Super Giants, placed tenth, and Delhi Capitals, seventh, have stuck rigidly to their playing XIs, leaving the two young cricketers on the sidelines. For Shaw, the former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, the snub is particularly stark. After going unsold in the 2025 auction, Delhi Capitals showed faith by signing him for INR 75 lakh ahead of the current season. Yet when opener Pathum Nissanka struggled for form, the franchise turned not to Shaw but to 18-year-old Sahil Parakh, who lasted just two balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before being bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Missed Opportunities and Questionable Calls

Delhi Capitals' decision to overlook Shaw earlier in the season now looks like a missed opportunity. Nissanka's underwhelming returns created an opening for Shaw to partner KL Rahul at the top of the order, but the team opted for the untested Parakh. That experiment lasted one match; Nissanka returned and justified the call with a half-century against Rajasthan Royals, effectively shutting the door on Shaw. Questions about Shaw's attitude have circulated, but his talent remains undeniable. With Delhi still in playoff contention, bringing him into the side could provide the spark the team needs. The franchise's reluctance to gamble on a player of his calibre, despite the stakes, has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Arjun Tendulkar's Waiting Game

For Arjun Tendulkar, the path to the playing XI has been blocked by a crowded pace attack. Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mayank Yadav all had strong claims ahead of the 26-year-old, and the unit's performances have kept him on the bench. However, LSG's think tank may have overlooked what Tendulkar can offer with the bat. As a bowling all-rounder, Tendulkar could fill the finisher's role at No. 7, a position currently occupied by Himmat Singh. Himmat has struggled, scoring just 35 runs in three matches with a highest of 19. Replacing him with Tendulkar would give captain Rishabh Pant another left-arm pace option alongside Mohsin Khan, adding depth to both batting and bowling.

High Reward, Low Risk at a Critical Juncture

With both teams still mathematically alive in the playoff race, the argument for fielding Tendulkar and Shaw grows stronger. The potential downside is minimal: at worst, they might deliver below-par returns, no worse than what the teams have already endured. The upside, however, is significant. If either player clicks, the franchises could unearth a match-winner at a crucial moment. For Delhi, Shaw's inclusion could reignite a batting lineup that has lacked consistency. For LSG, Tendulkar's all-round abilities could provide the balance needed to turn close games into wins. The question is whether the support staff are willing to take the risk.

The Clock Is Ticking

Time is running out for both franchises. With only a handful of matches remaining, every decision carries weight. The reluctance to hand opportunities to young players like Shaw and Tendulkar reflects a broader conservatism that has characterised both campaigns. For Shaw, who has been on a downward spiral since his early promise, this season represents a chance at redemption. For Tendulkar, it is an opportunity to step out of his father's shadow. Whether they get that chance before the playoffs slip away remains to be seen.

What Comes Next

As the IPL 2026 season enters its final phase, the spotlight will remain on the selection decisions of Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Both teams face must-win matches, and the pressure to experiment may finally overcome their caution. If Shaw or Tendulkar do get a game, the outcome could define not just their season but their careers. If they don't, the questions about missed opportunities will linger long after the tournament ends.

The bottom line

• Prithvi Shaw and Arjun Tendulkar have not played a single match in IPL 2026 despite their teams' playoff struggles.
• Delhi Capitals signed Shaw for INR 75 lakh but chose 18-year-old Sahil Parakh over him when Nissanka struggled.
• LSG's Himmat Singh has underperformed, scoring 35 runs in three matches, yet Arjun Tendulkar remains on the bench.
• Both franchises are still mathematically in playoff contention but face slim odds.
• Playing Shaw or Tendulkar carries low risk and potentially high reward at this stage of the season.
• The reluctance to field young talent highlights a conservative approach that may cost both teams a playoff spot.