Gautam Gambhir advises people not to compare Prithvi Shaw to Virender Sehwag

The attitude to score runs off every ball, the same back-foot punch on the off side, and that wristy flick through mid-wicket, there were a lot of substances that forced people to compare Shaw with Sehwag. Sehwag, who redefined the definition of Test opening with his sublime stroke-play, however, had one more thing that Shaw will try to get - the unerring consistency with which he scored the runs in the red-ball cricket. While the comparisons are bound to happen, Gambhir advised people not to indulge in that.

“Whoever is comparing (Prithvi with Sehwag) needs to think twice before comparing. Ultimately you should not compare anyone to anyone. He (Shaw) has just started his career and there is a long way to go. I have never believed in comparisons. He (Shaw) has got his own individuality and Sehwag had his own individuality. He (Shaw) has just started his career and someone like Sehwag has played 100 Test matches,” said Gambhir at a promotional event, reported Indian Express.

“Obviously, he’s (Shaw) impressive. He’s very talented and that’s why he is there. The important thing is that he started off his Test career on a very good note but there will be far bigger and far difficult challenges waiting for him,” he added.

MS Dhoni’s recent form in the limited-overs cricket has been a cause of concern for Team India and he is in the team for everything other than his batting. He is still the perfect man behind the stumps - as per keeping wise and the ability to hand-hold the spinners. But, Rishabh Pant is making some serious noises with his bat. On being asked about the same, Gambhir dodged it.

“There’s never been a right time and there's never been a wrong time. It really depends on the combination and ultimately it’s your performance that will keep you in the side, not the age. Whether you are 36 or 37 or 47, if you keep performing you should be playing and ultimately it is the performance that keeps you in,” the former opener said.

India’s overseas dream got severe setback as they lost to South Africa and England in two consecutive assignments. However, the absence of two talismanic characters in the Australia set-up - Steve Smith and David Warner - may make India’s journey easier Down Under. But, it will be unwise to be complacent and Gambhir said that discount Australia at your own peril. 

“They have really exciting players like Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch. Plus they have the bowling attack to hurt any opposition. They have got the pace, they know their conditions and they probably have the best off-spinner (Nathon Lyon) in the world right now. It’s not going to be a cakewalk. (Playing) Australia in Australia, whatever batting they play, they are still a massive threat,” he emphasised.