Prithivi Shaw is not inclined to look at the plight he was in — out of action for two-and-a-half months — as a quirk of fate. He hurt his left ankle fielding in a tour match in Sydney before the start of the four-Test series in Australia last year.
Not yet 20, the Mumbai right-hander is far from disappointed at missing a chance to play in the World Cup.
Rollicking start
The cricketing world took notice of his rollicking start against the West Indies on Test debut in Rajkot (134); and 70 and 33 not out in Hyderabad.
The attacking style of his batting gave him a real chance of getting picked for the World Cup, but his inability to regain fitness in time for the home ODI series against Australia ruled him out.
After 11 weeks of rehab and recovery, Shaw returned to action for the Twenty20 Mushtaq Ali Trophy and thereafter for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
And, inside a week after Capitals’ elimination, Shaw was in action at the Wankhede Stadium, leading North Mumbai Panthers in the Mumbai T20.
Shaw has been selected in the India-A team for the five-match limited-over internationals and one ‘Test’ against the West Indies in July-August.
Asked if he is disappointed that injury prevented him from being a possible candidate for the World Cup, he said: “I am not at all disappointed. It was a big opportunity for me in Australia last year. I twisted my ankle and was out of action for nearly three months.
“Several players, coaches and friends helped me a lot at that time. I was a bit disappointed then. But, my dad told me ‘you can back stronger’. I always believe in that.”
Dressing room feelings
On the change in mindset from being in the Capitals dressing room and at the Panthers, Shaw said: “I am from Mumbai so I am more comfortable in this dressing room. I have played club cricket with all these guys and also for Mumbai.
“The IPL is different. The two months with DC is important. But it also means a lot to me playing in this league here and sharing the dressing room with the Panthers.”