Over the last few years, several Indian cricketers have made their international debut but failed to retain their place in the playing XI, barring someone like Rishabh Pant. Even Mohammed Siraj, who was India’s breakout star in 2021, at times, fell behind Ishant Sharma in the pecking order as the third pace option. The likes of Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Prithvi Shaw are the most prominent names of batters that come to mind, who began well but have fallen behind their contemporaries.
Former Australia World Cup-winning skipper, Michael Clarke has reserved a special place for Prithvi Shaw. Shaw debuted as an 18-year-old for India against West Indies with a sparkling century but following his disastrous outing in Australia last summer, the 22-year-old has been shoved out of the squad and is yet to find a place for himself in the line-up.Â
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In a recent documentary on Sony Liv, Michael Clarke said, “He is a terrific player like Sehwag. Sehwag was a genius, who took the game forward. For someone like me, I love that brand of cricket. That aggressive batsman at the top of the order. That’s why Sehwag was one of my favorite players. I would like to see India keep faith in him, a player like Prithvi Shaw, knowing he is young.”
Michael Clarke looked back at Shaw’s outings in Australia, where he was dismissed for 0 and 2 in the day-night Test in Adelaide, and felt it was unfair to have huge expectations from the youngster. Shaw had been part of India’s touring in the 2018/2019 series as well but he suffered an ankle injury during the practice game, could not take part in a single Test. Two years later, Shaw played his first Test in Australia, which is also his last till now.
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Talking about the same, Michael Clarke said, “It was very hard to have too many expectations from Prithvi Shaw. He needed more time. It was his first opportunity in Australia. You want to give him every chance to see how he goes but unfortunately, he missed out in that Test match in Adelaide. It was his first tour of Australia, and I have no doubt he will come good.”
