Scoring Runs, Doing A Lot Of Hard Work

Team India are playing its second-string team in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa.  Senior opener Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the captain of the team for the Ind vs SA ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer has been made the vice-captain for this series.  The squad also have youngsters like Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Rajat Patidar, and Ravi Bishnoi. Ever since the BCCI announced the team, people started questioning the selection process as one big name was missing from the squad that is of Prithvi Shaw.

The Mumbai-based opener has been consistently hitting the bowlers in the domestic circuit. For India A also, he amassed 77 in the one-day series against New Zealand A.

In an interview with Mid-Day, Shaw said, “I was disappointed. I am scoring runs, doing a lot of hard work, but not getting a chance”.

He further added, “But, it’s alright. When they [national selectors] feel I am ready, they will play me. Whatever opportunities I get, whether it is for India ‘A’ or other teams, I will make sure I do my best and keep my fitness levels up to the mark”.

The Mumbai batter also spoke about his fitness and said, “I did not work on different things in my batting, but did a lot of fitness work. I worked on weight loss and reduced by seven to eight kgs after the last IPL. I spent a lot of time in the gym, did a lot of running, didn’t consume any sweets and cold drinks. Chinese food is totally out of my menu now”.

Shaw is set to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy now.

“We played a few practice games here [in Ahmedabad]. All players are in good shape. We have good all-rounders, batsmen, and bowlers. I believe it’s a very strong team. All the support staff members are working hard on our preparation and I am optimistic about doing well as a team. All the players in this team are established somewhere, played a good level, and are experienced,” said Shaw.