Reports | Prithvi Shaw set to grab third opener slot for NZ series

After a glorious start to his Test career, a failed dope test cost him a place in the Test side but young opener Prithvi Shaw has announced his return. While he made a dashing comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Mumbai lad has carried on his white-ball form into the Ranji Trophy scoring a flamboyant 66 in the opening game against Baroda.

His recent form has not only bagged him a place in the India A side but an Indian Express report also claims of him grabbing the third opener slot for the New Zealand series. India A will be playing two four day matches in New Zealand before the Test series and will include Test regulars Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. BCCI is looking to give them some time ahead of the Test series to adapt to the conditions.

Shaw hailed the guidance of former skipper Rahul Dravid at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as the reason behind his strong comeback after the unfortunate setback.

“After returning from London, Rahul (Dravid) sir called me to the NCA for training. There I went through a series of fitness tests like yo-yo. Under Rahul sir a lot of focus was on fitness. I had to clear all my fitness tests. What also helped was that during the nets good bowlers were available like Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) and Varun Aaron. Besides, Rahul sir was always there for guidance and mental issues,” Shaw shared.