Prithvi Shaw won't play in IPL 2024 any further? Sourav Ganguly provides a jaw-dropping update
Published - 30 Mar 2024, 03:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, recently revealed the team’s strategy behind Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the playing XI against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Sourav Ganguly stated that the team decided to open with David Warner and Mitchell Marsh.
Prithvi Shaw was omitted from the playing XI in their IPL 2024 opening encounter in Mullanpur on Saturday, March 23. Many expressed surprise over Shaw’s exclusion, given that he was retained by the team before the mini-auction in December last year.
The Delhi Capitals opted for an all-Australian duo of Mitchell Marsh and David Warner. This strategic move paid off immediately, as the duo propelled the team to a brisk start, adding 39 runs in 19 balls. Marsh scored 20 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed.
Warner smashed two sixes and three boundaries in his 21-ball 29. Despite the Capitals’ strong start, they struggled for momentum, managing only 174 runs in their allocated 20 overs. The Punjab Kings comfortably chased down the target with four wickets in hand.
Prithvi Shaw Is An Opener – Sourav Ganguly
Speaking on the eve of the Delhi Capitals’ second match, Sourav Ganguly explained the decision to open with Mitchell Marsh and David Warner, aiming to optimize the team’s batting order for a strong start.
“Prithvi Shaw is an opener. We decided to open with Marsh and Warner and Ricky Bhui is a middle-order batter. So they bat at different positions. So it’s actually not Bhui for sure. It’s a different opening combination, they opened for Australia and they have done well together. So we decided to do that,” Sourav Ganguly told the press.
Shaw had a disappointing previous season, managing only 106 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.25. He was dropped from the team due to his lack of impact in the first six games. However, he scored 54 runs off 38 balls against the PBKS in his comeback game.
Didn’t Get Much Of Prithvi Shaw In The Camp – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly noted that the Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff had limited time to work with Prithvi Shaw during the off-season. Ganguly highlighted Shaw’s injury and commitments with Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24.
“To be honest, we did not get much of Prithvi Shaw in the camp. Unfortunately, he was injured for a long time. After he went to England for the county stint in Northamptonshire where he played exceptionally well and tore his ligament in the knee, we couldn’t get him till February. After he came back to fitness, he played Ranji Trophy.”
“I remember we set up a four-day training camp with him, but then, the NCA announced him fit and then he went on to play Ranji Trophy. You can’t take anybody away from the Ranji Trophy and put in an IPL camp. And then Mumbai won the tournament, and he played till the last day of the tournament. He played till the 14th and then joined the camp.”
Prithvi Shaw’s successful County Championship stint was curtailed by an injury, delaying his return to action until February. Upon his comeback, he represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, where they emerged as champions of the domestic red-ball tournament.
