Prithvi Shah
Delhi Capitals (DC) sent shockwaves through the cricketing world by benching explosive young opener Prithvi Shaw for their IPL 2024 curtain-raiser against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). This unexpected move sparked a flurry of questions, prompting Delhi Capitals’s Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, to address the team’s rationale behind the decision.
Ganguly Gives Nod To Warner-Marsh
Sourav Ganguly emphasized strategic thinking in their approach. DC opted for the opening combination of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, highlighting their proven success batting together for the Australian white-ball team. “They bat at different positions,” Ganguly clarified, differentiating between Prithvi Shaw and Ricky Bhui, another middle-order batsman considered for the role. This explanation underscored their prioritization of a well-established opening partnership over integrating a new player.
Prithvi Shaw’s Injury and Lack of Practice
While acknowledging Prithvi Shaw’s talent, Sourav Ganguly shed light on the challenges the youngster faced. A significant knee ligament tear during his county stint in England severely restricted Shaw’s practice time with the Delhi Capitals camp. “We couldn’t get him till February,” revealed Ganguly, outlining the limitations imposed by the injury. This disclosure suggested that Shaw’s match fitness might not have been at the optimal level for the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League.
Prithvi Shaw’s Future with DC?
Despite a commendable performance in the recent Ranji Trophy, Prithvi Shaw’s underwhelming performance in IPL 2023, scoring a mere 106 runs in 8 games, continues to cast a shadow for his selection into the team. While the Warner-Marsh duo received the opening nod, their performance in the first match failed to ignite the scoreboard. With a loss against PBKS and Shaw’s place in the playing XI still up in the air, all eyes are on Delhi Capitals’s management to see if they will shuffle their batting order for their upcoming clash against the Rajasthan Royals.
