He Can Leave Everyone Behind - Ajay Jadeja Says 'Virus Has Been Removed' From Prithvi Shaw's Technique

Former India batsman Ajay Jadeja used an analogy of a virus in a computer to Prithvi Shaw’s vulnerability in his technique – and mind – in the last season, which pushed the opener to a painful low, at just 21.

Prithvi Shaw was dropped from India’s Test side after his scores of 0 and 4 – both times bowled – against Australia in only the first Test of the series Down Under. It was following his dismal IPL 2020 in the UAE where he looked at sea against high pace in the body.

The youngster had admitted to breaking down after being axed from the team and was replaced by his Under-19 teammate, Shubman Gill, who now seems to have cemented his spot for some time.

However, after making improvements in his technique with coach Pravin Amre, Prithvi Shaw roared back to form with a record-breaking Vijay Hazare Trophy – he smashed 827 runs at a scarcely believable average of 165.4.

The Thane-born batsman continued to bat in his breathtaking fashion in the IPL 2021 as well. He blasted 308 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 166.49, before the event came to a halt. In fact, he was a key contributor to the Delhi Capitals’ wins – Delhi lost only 2 of their 8 matches, and in those Shaw had scores of 2 and 21

It’s like a virus has been removed from Prithvi Shaw’s batting: Ajay Jadeja

Ajay Jadeja, who featured in over 200 internationals for India, reckons the “virus” in Shaw’s technical and mental aspect has been eliminated which helped the youngster gain a supreme form.

Despite a thunderous form, Prithvi Shaw may not be back in the Indian team soon because of the surplus of openers. However, he would keep others on their toes and is capable of surpassing them, as Jadeja believes.

“Like a computer has a virus, it’s like a virus has been removed from his batting. Last year, a little virus had crept in his mind or technique, whichever way you want to put it. But when a player emerges from a shock – Shaw is an exceptional player – but even an ordinary player at any level finds it easy in his first year, but when the second year comes – if he can surpass it, he can leave everyone behind,” Ajay Jadeja told Cricbuzz.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Once The Virus Entered, Everyone Panicked And The Foreigners Especially: Shreevats Goswami