IPL 2021: “I don’t think about myself while batting” – Prithvi Shaw speaks on contributing for the team after match-winning knock
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Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw came up with a knock for the ages for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as he struck 82 runs in just 41 balls to ace a chase of 155 for his side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). For his stupendous effort, the young opener was awarded the Man of the Match and rightly so as he took DC to the second spot on the points table.
DC were excellent on the night across all three departments of the game today. The bowlers did a good job of restricting the KKR batters from scoring, bar some fireworks from Andre Russell at the death. In the chase, it was all Shaw as he started off the innings by hitting six fours in the first over – becoming the first player to do so in an IPL match’s opening over. He then continued in the same vein and was finally dismissed on 82. By then, the damage was done as DC romped home.
Prithvi Shaw speaks on his terrific knock
Prithvi Shaw spoke at the post-match presentation and said, “Wasn’t thinking anything to be honest. Was just waiting for the loose balls. We’ve played for four-five years now (with Mavi), so I knew where he will bowl to me. I was prepared (for the short ball). The first four-five balls he bowled were half-volleys so I was prepared for the short ball but unfortunately he didn’t bowl.”
Speaking of the pitch, he said, “On this wicket especially when the spinner is bowling it wasn’t coming very nicely onto the bat. Was stopping a little. Was waiting for them to bowl at me on off stump or outside so I can free my hands. When I’m in there, I keep playing and don’t think about the score. Don’t think about myself, just want the team to win.”
Shaw then spoke of his comparisons with former Indian opener Virender Sehwag as well as the support his father gave him, saying, “No we haven’t spoken yet (with Sehwag) but if I get a chance I’d like to because he’s the one who likes to score off the first ball. My dad has supported very well. After getting back from Australia, I wasn’t happy with myself. My dad just asked me to play my natural game. All these words set a target on me and I worked hard. In cricket the graphs are going to go up and down, a lot of failures are going to come my way.”
DC’s next match is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on the 2nd of May.
Also Read: IPL 2021: “On a different level” – Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw heap praise on Prithvi Shaw
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Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)