According to Prithvi Shaw’s childhood coach, Prashant Shetty, the Delhi Capitals batter has had difficulty in the ongoing IPL 2023 due to a lack of early momentum. Shetty believes that the first few matches are crucial for an aggressive batter like Shaw.
Prithvi Shaw has struggled in IPL 2023, scoring only 47 runs in six innings with an average of 7.83 and a strike rate of 117.50. He has been dismissed for a duck twice, and his highest score is 15. In an interview, Prithvi Shaw’s childhood coach Prashant Shetty shared his thoughts on Shaw’s batting difficulties:
“Expectations, definitely, both his and mine, weren’t met in the first few games. But this is how his game plan and mindset have been over the years. It’s on the riskier side. He takes that risk. For a player like him, the first two matches are very important.
“When you score early, you get momentum. Just as a team needs momentum, even Shaw needs that early momentum. It didn’t happen and the pressure kept increasing. He is batting well but then it takes one ball to dismiss a batter.”
Shetty acknowledged that Shaw’s loss of form is significant, as he recently returned to the Indian T20 team. He explained:
“It was also a big season because he just attended India camp which took place for T20 players. If selectors are picking him for that, then he is definitely in their plans. But then it gets disappointing when the runs aren’t there.”
“Even in this season, his strike rate is 147 but the average has dropped”: Prashant on Prithvi Shaw
Despite Shaw’s struggles, Shetty remains optimistic that he can improve in the second half of IPL 2023. Shetty revealed that he had discussed some things with Shaw and that the batter is performing well in nets. He stated:
“We did talk and discuss a few things which could be done. But jab run nahi ban na hota hai, to hum kuch kuch cheez try karte hai but kayi baar nahi hota hai. And again, his reputation is such. He attacks in the powerplay. Even in this season, his strike rate is 147, but the average has dropped. Sometimes you think people expect similar things, so a player tends to bat on those expectations.
“His spirits are high. He is batting well in the nets. See, he is young but also experienced enough to know that if you are batting well in the nets, it can click any moment in the match. It’s a different story if one doesn’t bat well in the nets and doesn’t get the confidence of the management. The management has given him a long run so even they have confidence in him.”
Prashant Shetty on Prithvi Shaw
