Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw has been receiving a snub from the Indian squad despite impressive performances in the domestic circuit. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has some sympathy for the youngster and felt that the selectors and head coach should intervene to guide the youngster.
Gautam Gambhir reckons that the selectors and coaches play a much bigger role than just preparing the players for the game. He urged the current Indian head coach Rahul Dravid need to be the career guide for Prithvi Shaw. Dravid has had a strong bond with the young cricketer since he was the coach of the U-19 Indian team.
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During a recent chat on Star Sports Gautam Gambhir said, “What are coaches there for? What are selectors there for? Not to just select the squad or probably to do those throw-downs or make them ready for the game. Ultimately, it’s the selectors and coaches and management who should try and help these guys. Someone like Prithvi Shaw, we all know the kind of talent he has. Probably they should get him on the right track and that is what one of the jobs of management is.”
Prithvi Shaw made a blistering start to his international career and arrived as the next big thing in Indian cricket. However, a dip in form coupled with his suspension for a doping violation in 2019, left question marks over his selection in the national team.
The young opener played his latest international match in 2021 and his name has been discussed during selection meetings ever since. Gambhir feels that the management should make sure that young cricketers like Shaw are on the right track by keeping them in the mix of things.
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Elaborating the same, Gautam Gambhir said, “Someone like Prithvi Shaw, the kind of start he had to his international career and the kind of talent he has, you back a player on talent. Yes, you have to look at the upbringing as well – where he comes from and the challenges he’s had as well. It makes even more sense for the management and the selectors to keep him around the mix, and help him get on the right track.”