India vs Windies 2018, 1st Test- Prithvi Shaw Comforted by Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri

Prithvi Shaw is all set to make his Test debut after he got named in India’s playing XI for the first Test against the Windies, scheduled to begin on October 4th in Rajkot. Shaw said he was nervous ahead of his debut Test but eagerly looking forward to that day. However, the 18-year-old says the India captain Virat Kohli and head coach, Ravi Shastri made him feel comfortable.

He went onto make his first-class debut in 2017. He has been quite sensational in his brief first-class career so far. In 14 first-class matches, Prithvi Shaw has already scored seven centuries and five half-centuries. Earlier, Shaw got named in the Indian squad for the final two Tests against England.

However, he warmed the benches, as Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul played ahead of him in final two Tests. However, Dhawan, of late, got dropped from the Test series against the Windies. Earlier on Wednesday, Shaw was named in the 12-man squad for the first Test and he was slotted to open the innings with KL Rahul.

Prithvi Shaw a bit nervous ahead of debut Test

Despite being nervous, Prithvi Shaw said he was comforted by head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli.

“I am feeling very good, a bit nervous. When I came to the dressing room, everyone was like there is no senior and junior. Virat bhai (Kohli) and Ravi Sir (Shastri) told me. It felt very nice and I was very comfortable. Everyone was happy to see me.”

“We just finished our very first practise session, which was very good and I really enjoyed my first day over here in the practise session, and it has been going great,” Shaw told bcci.tv.

Shaw revealed he was very comforted to see the behaviour of Virat Kohli off the field. He said despite being a tough nut on it, Kohli is a friendly guy off it.

“I think he is a really funny guy off the field. Obviously, we know on the field he is a very tough guy, but off the field, he is a nice guy, funny guy. I spoke to him, and we shared a few jokes. He was trying to speak Marathi, which was… really funny,” Shaw said.

However, the 18-year-old led the Indian junior team to a World Cup triumph in New Zealand earlier in the year. Later, he was bought by the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and impressed in his first tenure as well. As he gears up for his Test debut, Shaw revealed he is feeling settled in the dressing room. He spoke about his preparations ahead of his debut Test to BCCI.tv.

Prithvi Shaw happy with India team bonding

“It is (all about) team bonding if you see in Indian cricket, making me comfortable and helping me out when I was nervous, and I think I am fine now.

“When I went out to bat, I was like I don’t have to get out. And whenever I go to net practice, I don’t like to get out, because it is very important before the game to bat properly and bat-like how you would bat in the match.”

“It was fun, had a few throw-downs with Sanjay Bangar sir and Rahgu (throw-down specialist ) also threw some balls as well. Everything was perfect, and I enjoyed my first session here. Ravi sir was saying just enjoy your game and enjoy this practice session and just do whatever you have been doing in the Ranji Trophy since so many years,” he said.

It is a moment of pride for Prithvi Shaw

Meanwhile, the teenager further revealed it was a moment of pride for him to get his first cap. His focus will be to help India win the first Test.

However, Prithvi would have ideally wanted to make his debut in tough conditions in England and make a case for himself for the future overseas tours. If he can score runs in the Test series against the Windies, he will surely fly to Australia ahead of Shikhar Dhawan.

“It is a really proud feeling to get my first Test cap. I am feeling really nice and am looking forward to it and winning the first Test.”

It will be a huge opportunity for Prithvi Shaw to cement his place in the Test team with Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan, not in the best of touches. If Shaw makes an impact in the series, he will surely be the first choice opener for the tour Down Under with KL Rahul.