The Ranji Trophy has witnessed the rise of many young, dynamic talents. The newest talent who is generating a lot of noise in India’s domestic cricket scene is 17-year-old Prithvi Shaw. The teenager has been the talking point ever since he scored his fourth century in five First-Class matches. He has equalled the record of Ambati Rayudu and Ankit Bawne to score three centuries in Ranji Trophy before turning 18. As soon as the news of Shaw hitting another century in Ranji Trophy season 2017-18 surfaced, many, including former cricketers expressed their views on whether the young lad was ready for playing in the Indian squad or not.
Former Indian cricketer and opener Aakash Chopra, while talking to The Quint, said,
What’s the rush? Why can’t he wait for some more time? If he’s good, then he’ll just get better with time. If a kid is put in the Indian team at a young age, then there is a possibility of losing the player.
Chopra was not the only one who had similar views on Shaw’s speculated selection in the Indian team. The Quint quoted former Indian cricketer Pravin Amre as saying,
If given an opportunity, I think Shaw has the confidence and potential to do well at the international level, but to be honest, at the top level, the competition is too high. Shaw should enjoy wherever he is playing and scoring in matches. It will only help him become a better player.
Some agreed with neither Chopra nor Amre’s view. Former Indian First-Class cricketer Shishir Hattangadi supported his claim for a berth on the Indian side. While talking to The Quint,
What are the yardsticks for someone to be called ready? He is comfortable at a certain level, he is dominating, and if these are the parameters, then he’s ready. What is there to wait? If he is scoring runs and dominating at a certain level. I will be surprised if his name is not discussed in the next India Test squad selection meeting.
Dr. Makarand Waingankar, while speaking to DNA, said,
Why not? If Sachin Tendulkar can at 16, then why not Shaw? He has scored four hundred, all against quality attack. If not now, then when? While Tendulkar batted at Number five when he made his debut, Shaw, as an opener, has been facing the new ball, which is more difficult.
Looking at Shaw’s current form, the buzz around his debut will only intensify. He has had done well for himself in the recent past whether it is scoring a century on Ranji Trophy 2017 debut or in Duleep Trophy 2017 final.
Copyright © 2024 IE Online Media Services Private Ltd. All Rights Reserved.