RCB vs DC: "There's no shortcut" - Wasim Akram offers valuable advice to Prithvi Shaw amid his struggles

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram recently opened up about Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Prithvi Shaw's struggles in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Wasim Akram advised Prithvi Shaw to go back to basics, play first-class cricket, and score big to regain his form.

The Delhi Capitals are still in contention for the playoffs in the ongoing T20 tournament. The Rishabh Pant-led team has secured six wins and six losses in 12 league-stage matches. Delhi will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming matches.

Prithvi Shaw has delivered inconsistent performances throughout the IPL 2024 season. The young batter showed glimpses of better form earlier in the tournament but has only scored 198 runs in 8 matches at an average of 24.75 and an impressive strike rate of 163.64, with a best score of 66 runs.

The 24-year-old batter wasn't included in the Capitals' last match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel opened the innings in the recent match. Fraser-McGurk played a quickfire 50 runs off 20 balls while Porel added 65 runs off 36 deliveries against the Royals.

Haven't Watched Prithvi Shaw Closely This Year - Wasim Akram

In a conversation with Sportskeeda, Wasim Akram stated that Prithvi Shaw should focus on his performance rather than distractions. Akram emphasized the importance of scoring big and making a comeback through consistent performances in the longer format of the game.

“I haven't watched him closely this year, but he has to go back to basics, play first-class cricket and score big. Focus on cricket, not parties,” Akram told Sportskeeda.

“He has still got plenty of cricket in him, just go back and play first-class cricket. Get a lot of centuries and make a comeback. That's the only way. There's no shortcut. He has got time on his hands, and that's good for him,” Akram further said.

Prithvi Shaw Has To Play Regularly - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram emphasized that Prithvi Shaw should play consistently and look at himself off the field. The former cricketer advised Shaw to prioritize cricket over other distractions, suggesting that he could enjoy parties after retiring from the sport.

“He has to play regularly, and look at himself off the field. Do as many parties as you want after you retire, who cares. But now, focus on cricket,” Akram further stated.

Prithvi Shaw's last appearance for Team India was in 2021 during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. He was later included in the T20I squad for the home series against New Zealand in January 2023. However, he did not feature in the playing XI and was subsequently dropped after the series.

The Mumbai cricketer earned the Player of the Match accolade on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018. He has amassed 339 runs in five Test matches at an average of 42.37, including a century and two half-centuries. He has played six ODIs, scoring 189 runs at an average of 31.5 and a strike rate of 31.5. He has appeared in only one T20I for India, where he was dismissed for a duck.

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