Cricket

Prithvi Shaw, India's prodigious young opener, has been hailed as the "New King" by Australian media ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His coach, Jwala Singh, has taken the prediction a step further, declaring that Shaw has the potential to become the "next legend" of Indian cricket.Shaw, 22, is set to make his debut on Australian soil in the upcoming Test series. Despite the formidable challenge, Singh is confident in his student's abilities. "I think that in four or five years, yes, he can become the next legend of Indian cricket," Singh told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.Since his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies, Shaw has amassed 1407 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 56.28. His tally includes three centuries, two of which were converted into double hundreds, and eight half-centuries.Singh's unwavering belief in Shaw stems from his discovery of the young batsman a decade ago. At the time, Shaw was just 12 years old and struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai. "That small boy came out from the nets, and he just removed his helmet, and I asked him...'Where are you living? Where are you from?' He said, 'I am from Uttar Pradesh, I live in a tent...and I'm staying here alone for cricket," Singh recalled.Singh was moved by Shaw's determination and promised himself that he would help him fulfill his dreams. "Psychologically, he was very down. His fitness was not that great because he had a knee injury. So if I tell you frankly, it was my passion to make him my (first) India player," Singh said.Shaw's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and resilience. Despite facing challenges both on and off the field, he has remained focused on his goal of becoming a legendary cricketer. With his exceptional talent and the unwavering support of his coach, Shaw is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy and beyond.

Shreyas Iyer, the in-form batter, has been appointed as the captain of the 17-member Mumbai squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled from November 23 to December 15. The squad also includes Prithvi Shaw, who has been recalled after being dropped from the Ranji Trophy side due to fitness and discipline issues.Iyer has been in exceptional form this Ranji Trophy season, amassing 452 runs at an impressive average of 90.40, including two centuries. His blistering 233 against Odisha and 142 against Maharashtra were instrumental in Mumbai's consecutive victories.The inclusion of Shaw is a significant development, as the 25-year-old opener has been in prolific form in domestic cricket. He has scored 332 runs in four innings in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, including a century and two half-centuries.Other notable inclusions in the Mumbai squad include Ajinkya Rahane, who has been captaining the team in the Ranji Trophy, and Siddhesh Lad, who has also been among the runs this season. Spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian, who recently represented India A in unofficial Tests in Australia, has also been selected.Veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who has been a regular member of the Indian team in recent years, will add experience and depth to the Mumbai side. The squad also features promising young players such as Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, and Suryansh Shedge.Mumbai will be aiming to make a strong impact in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which is a domestic Twenty20 tournament. The team has a balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth, and will be hoping to challenge for the title.

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious Indian opener, has faced a series of setbacks in recent times, including being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and conduct issues. However, former Australia captain and India coach Greg Chappell has extended his support to Shaw, urging him to embark on a journey of self-reflection and prioritize processes over results.Chappell, who witnessed Shaw's exceptional talent as India's Under-19 captain in 2018, believes that the 24-year-old is still in his prime and has the potential to overcome these challenges. He emphasized the importance of shifting from a result-oriented mindset to a process-oriented one, focusing on improving technique and consistency rather than chasing immediate success.Shaw's recent struggles include a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where he managed only 198 runs in eight games. He has also been plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues, which have hindered his progress. However, Chappell believes that these setbacks can serve as turning points in Shaw's career, helping him to develop resilience and a stronger work ethic.Chappell advised Shaw to surround himself with positive influences, take care of his physical and mental well-being, and visualize the player he aspires to become. He emphasized that the door back to the Indian team remains open, but it requires a commitment to growth and change.Shaw's journey has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. He burst onto the international scene with a century on debut against the West Indies in 2018, but has since struggled to maintain consistency. Chappell's guidance and support could prove invaluable as Shaw navigates the challenges ahead and strives to fulfill his immense potential.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a prodigious batting talent, has faced a significant setback in his career, being dropped from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness concerns. However, amidst the adversity, he has received an unexpected source of support from former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell.In a heartfelt letter, Chappell expressed his belief in Shaw's potential and urged him to view this setback as a turning point. He reminded Shaw of the challenges faced by legendary cricketers like Don Bradman and himself, emphasizing that setbacks are an integral part of an athlete's journey.Chappell advised Shaw to focus on self-reflection and to prioritize process over results. He encouraged him to develop a strong mindset, stay present in the moment, and cultivate a disciplined lifestyle. He stressed the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences and seeking support when needed.Chappell acknowledged that Shaw's return to the Indian team would require a commitment to growth and change. He urged him to visualize his goals, take care of his physical and mental well-being, and embrace the challenges ahead.Chappell concluded his letter by expressing his unwavering belief in Shaw's abilities and offered his support. He emphasized that Shaw has the potential to reach his full potential and that he is not alone in his journey.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull's prediction from 2018 that Shubman Gill would have a more successful career than Prithvi Shaw has proven accurate. Gill's composed 90 in India's first innings of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has further solidified his position as a key player for India across all formats.Doull's initial observation of Gill's technical superiority over Shaw during the 2018 U19 World Cup has been borne out. While Shaw made a century on Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot later that year, Gill has since established himself as a consistent performer in the longest format.Gill's ability to adapt and make subtle changes to his game has impressed Doull. "He's able to take in information and process that and has the ability to make those subtle changes," Doull said. "Because I think he just wants to score runs."Gill's hunger for big runs, particularly in Test cricket, is evident in his performances. He has surpassed the 800-run mark in Tests in 2024, while Shaw has struggled for form and fitness.Doull believes that Gill, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, represents the future of Indian batting. "He's got a huge role to play in years to come," Doull said. "So to make little improvements in between Test matches, absolute class."Gill's consistent performances have justified Doull's bold prediction from 2018. His technical prowess, adaptability, and hunger for runs have made him a vital cog in India's batting lineup.

Neil D'Costa, a renowned Australian batting coach, has cautioned against rushing 19-year-old sensation Sam Konstas into Test cricket for the upcoming series against India. D'Costa believes Konstas is not yet ready for the rigors of the five-day format, citing the cautionary example of Prithvi Shaw's decline in international cricket.D'Costa, who has coached the likes of Michael Clarke and Mitchell Starc, emphasizes the importance of allowing Konstas to develop his game in the Sheffield Shield. He believes that Konstas needs to gain experience and understanding of the game's nuances before being thrust into the international arena."He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests," D'Costa said. "Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield. Let him understand the grounds, the flows of the game, understand himself and understand the game."D'Costa's concerns stem from Konstas' recent performances for Australia A against India A, where he scored 2 and 43 in the first match and a duck and 16 in the second. While Konstas has shown great potential, D'Costa believes he needs more time to mature and develop his game.Other contenders for the opening spot alongside Usman Khawaja include Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. However, D'Costa believes that Konstas should not be rushed into the team at the expense of more experienced players."It's just ridiculous (talk of rushing him in). How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in," D'Costa said.D'Costa's advice is based on his extensive experience in coaching young players. He believes that Konstas has the potential to become a great player, but that he needs to be given the time and space to develop his game properly.

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious Indian opener, has faced a setback in his career after being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and disciplinary concerns. The exclusion has sparked a debate about the role of physical appearance in determining a player's fitness in cricket.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come to Shaw's defense, arguing that weight or body shape should not be the primary measure of fitness. He points to the example of Sarfaraz Khan, who despite facing scrutiny over his physique, recently scored a brilliant 150 against New Zealand.Gavaskar emphasizes that cricket fitness should be judged by a player's ability to perform on the field, such as scoring runs or bowling overs. He questions the relevance of body fat percentage, stating that it is not a reliable indicator of a player's fitness or ability.Sources indicate that Shaw has been irregular in attending training sessions and has been observed as being overweight. However, Gavaskar believes that these issues can be addressed through proper guidance and support. He urges Shaw to focus on his fitness and discipline, while also reminding him of his immense talent.The exclusion from the Ranji Trophy squad is a wake-up call for Shaw, who has been struggling to regain his form in recent times. He has been dropped from the Indian team and has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances.Shaw's exclusion has also raised questions about the culture within the Mumbai team. Some reports suggest that there may be a lack of discipline and accountability, which could be contributing to the team's poor performance in the Ranji Trophy.It remains to be seen how Shaw will respond to this setback. He has the talent and potential to be one of the best batsmen in the world, but he needs to address his fitness and discipline issues if he wants to fulfill his potential.

Prithvi Shaw's recent struggles have taken a significant turn as he has been dropped from the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. The decision stems from concerns over his discipline and fitness, which have reportedly upset the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and its selection committee.Shaw's inconsistent attendance at net sessions, even after early dismissals, has raised eyebrows. His lax attitude towards fitness has also become a concern for the team management. These factors have prompted the selectors to take a tough stance, resulting in Shaw's omission from the squad.The selection committee, led by Sanjay Patil, announced the Mumbai squad without Shaw's name. It is believed that Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane played a role in the decision, as he was reportedly against Shaw's selection.In response to the news, Shaw took to Instagram and posted a sarcastic message: "Needed a break thanks." The MCA released a statement confirming the squad selection but did not provide any explanation for Shaw's absence.While Shaw's appearances in net sessions have been sporadic, veteran players like Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur have been working diligently to regain top form. Mumbai will face Tripura in their next Ranji Trophy match on October 26 at the MBB Stadium in Agartala.The Mumbai squad for the match includes:* Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)* Ayush Mhatre* Angkrish Raghuvanshi* Akhil Herwadkar* Shreyas Iyer* Siddhessh Lad* Suryansh Shedge* Hardik Tamore (WK)* Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK)* Shams Mulani* Karsh Kothari* Himanshu Singh* Shardul Thakur* Mohit Avasthi* Mohd. Juned Khan* Royston DiasShaw's omission from the squad serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and fitness in professional sports. It remains to be seen whether he can address these concerns and regain his place in the team.

Prithvi Shaw, the enigmatic opening batter for Mumbai, has been dropped from the squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy Group A match against Tripura. The decision was made after a meeting between the selectors and the coach, who discussed areas where Shaw needs to improve, including his fitness.Shaw has struggled for form this season, scoring just 139 runs in six innings at the top of Mumbai's order. His fitness has also been a concern since he returned from a knee injury earlier this year.The Mumbai selectors have recalled veteran Akhil Herwadkar, who last played for Mumbai in November 2018. Herwadkar will compete with Angkrish Raghuvanshi for the opening slot alongside Ayush Mhatre.Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav (personal commitments) and Tanush Kotian (India A duty) will also miss the next game. Left-arm spinner Karsh Kothari has been recalled to the squad after a hiatus.The Mumbai squad for the match against Tripura is as follows:* Ajinkya Rahane (Capt.)* Ayush Mhatre* Angkrish Raghuvanshi* Akhil Herwadkar* Shreyas Iyer* Siddhesh Lad* Suryansh Shedge* Hardik Tamore (wk)* Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk)* Shams Mulani* Karsh Kothari* Himanshu Singh* Shardul Thakur* Mohit Avasthi* Juned Khan* Royston Dias