IPL 2018| I'm playing without fear against any bowler because of IPL, says Prithvi Shaw
Delhi Daredevils' Prithvi Shaw has credited his maiden IPL campaign for his new-found ability to play top bowlers from around the world fearlessly. The 18-year-old further stated that he is yet to start preparations for the massive upcoming England tour, where he has been named in the India A side.
The 2018 U-19 World-cup winning captain, Prithvi Shaw got off to a thrilling start to his IPL career as he hit two half-centuries, scoring runs at an impressive strike-rate of 153.12, which caught everyoneâs eye. The young boy from Mumbai, who was always talented and has had comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar for their similar style in techniques, also revealed that this IPL stint has now made him fearless and has taught him how to approach high octane games.
âI have played a lot of difficult bowlers [in the IPL]. I have created a positive mindset from whatever Ricky Ponting and Gauti Bhai said. Iâm not under pressure to face any big bowler,â he said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, as reported by Scroll.
Shaw also showered praise on the two-time World Cup-winning captain, Ricky Pontingâs tips before he made his IPL debut. Delhi had already lost four of their five games with Gautam Gambhir surprising everyone to step down from the captaincy, passing it on to Shawâs Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer. Recalling his debut, where he scored a 10-ball 22 against Kings XI Punjab, Shaw stated both Ricky Ponting and Gautam Gambhir had advised him to enjoy the game and play naturally. âPonting was the main coach and he asked me to enjoy my game. That was Gauti Bhaiâs first thought too when Iâd made my debut,â he said.
It was a momentous occasion for a youngster like him to step up to such a huge occasion under such immense pressure and Shaw also admitted his nervousness while playing for the first time in front of 40,000 people and cameras.
âObviously, I was nervous with 40,000 people [in the stands] and cameras and all that. It was not the first time I had faced something like that, but still. After getting those positive vibes [from Gambhir and Ponting], the rest is history. I enjoyed myself and my time with the team,â he added.Â
Not just Shaw, alongside him, his India U-19 teammates Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Mavi
âIt is different because you are facing a Mitchell Johnson. There are batsmen like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. This was the best opportunity I could have got because IPL is a big stage and going there from the World Cup was not easy for us. Still, we managed and practiced hard.â
After collecting 245 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 153.12, the Mumbai openerâs has now received an India A call-up for the four-day matches and the ODI tri-series, scheduled to be played in England. However, when asked about his preparations, Shaw said that he hasnât even started thinking about the tour yet.Â
âI never planned anything. I just came back from the IPL and am taking a couple of days rest. Iâll try to delete what happened in the IPLâ not the memories, but all those knocks I played over there and try to focus on the positives,â he affirmed.Â
