‘Prithvi Shaw can’t say I’m only going to bat and then…’ – Ravi Shastri’s bold statement on star India batter’s flop show in IPL 2023
Prithvi Shaw (left) and Ravi Shastrri (right) (Source: Twitter)
Prithvi Shaw entered the Indian Premier League 2023 with a lot of potential following his prolific run-scoring in domestic tournaments, which included the record-breaking triple-century hit in the Ranji Trophy. Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC), had high hopes for the young player. Shaw, though, has had a disappointing IPL season thus far, hitting only 19 runs in three games. Because to the lack of runs, and in the context of DC’s performance in the last game, former India head coach Ravi Shastri gave Shaw an ultimatum.
When Delhi announced it’s playing XI for the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Shaw’s name was not there in the line-up. Shaw was used as an Impact Player in place of Khaleel Ahmed in the second innings, despite Twitter criticizing the team management for their behavior. Eventually, he was sent back for a duck.
I think a player of his quality and age wants to be in the thick of things all the time: Ravi Shastri
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo before Tuesday’s home game between DC and the Mumbai Indians, Shastri didn’t focus much on Shaw’s stats but suggested that the batter shouldn’t get comfortable playing simply as an impact player. He doesn’t want Shaw to develop the habit of playing only as a batter and then relaxing in the locker room during the other innings, He wants Shaw to be involved and take part on the pitch even if he doesn’t bowl.
“I think a player of his quality and age he wants to be in the thick of things all the time. He should want to and not say I’m happy to be an Impact Player. It’s not a good sign and it won’t help. I mean he is young. You want him to be part of everything, to be in the mx and contribute with a catch to through fielding, get into good habits there rather than being in the habit of – I’m only going to bat and then feet up in the dressing room. That is not good for a guy at his age,” Shastri was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.
