Prithvi Shaw To Be Part Of India Squad For New Zealand Tour: Report

Prithvi Shaw has made a fine return to cricket after serving the doping ban imposed on him this summer. The youngster made his much-awaited return to action during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game against Assam and hit the ground running. In his comeback game, the highly-rated batsman slammed a quickfire knock of 63.

In the following games, he scored 30, 64, 30 and 53 as Mumbai missed out on a semifinal berth. He then impressed on his comeback to red-ball cricket too on Monday. On the opening day of the Ranji Trophy, Prithvi Shaw slammed 66 off just 62 against Baroda. The impressive knock was studded with 11 fours and a six.

Having lost his place in the Test team during the ban, Prithvi Shaw will be looking to continue performing in the same manner in the upcoming games as he looks to make a swift return to the team. A fine performance for Mumbai will definitely put him in contention for a place in the Test side sooner rather than later.

Also Read: Agarwal, Gill, Shaw And Samson In Contention To Replace Shikhar Dhawan For West Indies ODIs: Report

Shaw to New Zealand?

Prithvi Shaw, meanwhile, is reportedly set to fly to New Zealand for the Test series in February next year. According to Indian Express, he will be in the team as the third opener while Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal will be the first choice openers. Shaw is scheduled to be part of the India A team that will play two four-day games against New Zealand A just before the Test series begins.

The report claimed that three other Indian Test players will play the ‘A’ games in New Zealand, along with Shaw. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Mayank Agarwal are the three who will play the second of the two ‘A’ games to get some quality practice in New Zealand conditions before the Test series.

“The selection committee is of the view that it’s better that Test specialists travel early to get used to conditions. It will help them get enough practice,” sources in the BCCI told the news outlet.

In Shaw’s absence, Shubman Gill was the third opener in the Test squad. But with Rohit and Agarwal doing well, he did not get a chance to make his debut. And with both Rohit and Agarwal impressing in the home season, Shaw will have to wait for his chance in the playing eleven even if he makes it to the squad.