From heartbreak to homecoming: Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan revive IPL careers in dramatic auction twist

The IPL 2026 auction produced several high-profile acquisitions, but the unexpected resurrections of Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan resonated deeply. Both players, once considered rising stars in Indian cricket, experienced the disappointment of going unsold before finding new opportunities in the accelerated round.

The dramatic turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of the IPL auction. Shaw, who had previously represented India, expressed his disappointment on social media after being passed over twice at his base price of Rs 75 lakh. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. his former team, Delhi Capitals, stepped in to acquire him for the same price. Shaw quickly replaced his earlier post with a graphic announcing his return to the franchise, captioning it “Back to my family.”

Shaw, 26, has been performing well in domestic cricket, recently notching the second-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history. After moving from Mumbai to Maharashtra this season, this provides him with another chance to reignite his IPL career, and potentially his international ambitions, with a team he knows well.

Sarfaraz Khan's experience mirrored Shaw's. Despite his impressive domestic record, including a rapid 73 off 22 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just before the auction, he initially went unsold. Chennai Super Kings then secured his services for Rs 75 lakh. This move gives Sarfaraz the chance to display his power-hitting abilities under the guidance of MS Dhoni.

While Shaw and Sarfaraz's stories were about redemption, the auction also featured some major acquisitions. Kolkata Knight Riders broke records by acquiring Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. They also picked up Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore, and several uncapped Indian players also secured lucrative deals. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. it was the late acquisitions of Shaw and Sarfaraz that underscored the ever-present possibility of a comeback in the IPL.