There has been a stiff competition to make it to the squad for the T20 World Cup is intense and young opener Prithvi Shaw has an opportunity to earn a name for himself in the tour of Sri Lanka and the remainder of IPL 2021, feels former India batsman Mohammad Kaif. In his career so far, Prithvi Shaw has played 5 Tests and 3 ODIs for India so far but is yet to make his T20I debut.
While Rohit Sharma has cemented his place in the squad for the T20 World Cup, the slot for the 2nd opener is up for grabs. Shikhar Dhawan’s form in T20Is makes him a firm favorite while Virat Kohli also threw his hat in the ring after the end of the limited-overs series against England earlier this year. Shaw is looking good to get a nod as India will be hoping for players who can make an impact at the top.
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During a recent chat with ANI, talking about Prithvi Shaw, Mohammad Kaif said, “Prithvi Shaw showed good form in the IPL, every big player has a test, when you have that form, the challenge is to make full use of that form. Shaw had a good domestic season and IPL, if he plays well in Sri Lanka and the remaining matches of the IPL, then he can make a case for himself to be included in the T20 World Cup squad.”
He further added, “There is competition, Prithvi needs to play big knocks. I have no doubt that Shaw has the ability to play well and if he plays well, then he makes sure that his team ends on the right side of the result. Prithvi Shaw plays impactful knocks, we have to see how he plays in Sri Lanka.”
Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif also stressed that Kuldeep Yadav needs more support from the management and that he is confident the left-arm wrist-spinner will get opportunities during the Sri Lanka tour where Rahul Dravid will serve as the head coach of the team.
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Mohammad Kaif explained, “Both Kuldeep and Chahal have performed well together, but Kuldeep has not been getting the support. People are saying that his form is not upto the mark or his body language is bad, for me these things do not matter. He is a talented bowler, the captain and coach should back him. You do not get a chinaman in every market, if you have that bowler, then you need to look after him and Rahul Dravid knows how to do that.”
India and Sri Lanka will meet in the first of a 3-match ODi series in Colombo on July 18.
