File photo of Wasim Akram
One of the most promising young batters in Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw hasn’t been able to live up to the expectations he had set during the early phase of his career. Emerging as a batter who can play all three formats for the Indian team, Shaw has become a player who is finding it tough to even break into the playing XI of his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Delhi Capitals. Shaw’s case has been an interesting one, with off-field controversies pushing his name into the headlines on multiple occasions. Issuing a strict message to the talented opening batter, Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram urged him to focus on cricket and not parties.
“I haven’t watched him closely this year, but he has to go back to basics, play first-class cricket and score big. Focus on cricket, not parties,” Akram told Sportskeeda.
Still just 24 years old, Shaw made heads turn when he wore the India shirt for the first time, making his Test debut against West Indies in 2018. The opening batter, however, has had a few disciplinary issues to deal with over the last few years of his career, and those incidents have had a negative impact on his form.
“He has still got plenty of cricket in him, just go back and play first-class cricket. Get a lot of centuries and make a comeback. That’s the only way. There’s no shortcut. He has got time on his hands, and that’s good for him,” Akram further said.
“He has to play regularly, and look at himself off the field. Do as many parties as you want after you retire, who cares. But now, focus on cricket,” the pace great urged.
Shaw’s IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, is still in the race for a top 4 finish, hoping to win the last two matches and qualify for the playoffs.
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