IND vs SL: “He can score in international cricket” – Irfan Pathan backs Prithvi Shaw ahead of the limited-overs series

Irfan Pathan and Prithvi Shaw

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed youngster Prithvi Shaw to do well in the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Shaw is likely to open alongside skipper Shikhar Dhawan in all six matches against the island nation. Apart from Shaw and Dhawan, young lads like Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad have also been selected as the backup opening batsmen.

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns for three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20I), starting from July 18 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The former cricketer highlighted Shaw’s recent performance in domestic cricket including the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The right-handed batsman has consistently scored runs for both Mumbai and Delhi Capitals (DC) respectively. Pathan mentioned that he sees no reason why the 21-year-old can’t do well in the international circuit as well.

“If he is scoring in domestic cricket then he can score in international cricket, as well. So, that IPL performance confidence, will definitely boost his performance in Sri Lanka, as well,” Pathan said in Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Connected’.

Irfan Pathan talks about Shaw’s adjusted batting technique

The cricketer-turned-commentator also pointed out that Prithvi Shaw has made an adjustment to his batting technique which had led him to lean patch of runs in red-ball cricket. The Mumbaikar’s last outing for the national side came during the Test series against Australia where he was dropped after some miserable performances.

“He will be able to capitalize on the performance he gained in Vijay Hazare Trophy. So, what he did, he went out to domestic cricket after his poor run last year in the IPL. He scored tons of runs in domestic cricket and then he tried to replicate the same in the IPL – he was able to do it consistently as well. The way he did it – with the right technique – he did some adjustments in the technique. His bat is coming close to his body – which is fantastic – he is very, very still, that helps,” Pathan said.

Also Read | IND vs SL: “Shikhar Dhawan made some really funny moves” – Yuvraj Singh recalls his experience while playing a domestic match

Also Read | IND vs SL: “Hardik Pandya can walk into the team as a pure batter in white-ball cricket” – Sanjay Manjrekar