Former India U-19 captain Prithvi Shaw had made a name for himself even before leading the junior team to a title victory in 2018. The same year, he was called into the Test squad and made his debut against West Indies with a century. With 237 runs in two-match series, Shaw also won the Player of the Series award and looked set to make big records. Though an injury meant he hasn’t played international cricket for more than a year now.
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It’s not that he isn’t in the scheme of things but a shoulder issue could once again rule him out of contention. Shaw is set to miss the limited-overs series against New Zealand A but is in line to be fit for two first-class matches ahead of Tests. But it is unlikely that he will be part of the national team.
While Shaw’s fitness is the reason behind his absence from the team, a report in Times of India has suggested that his lifestyle is also a reason behind his absence. It is to be noted that Shaw was in contention to be fit for third and fourth Test against Australia last year but reports had suggested that he wasn’t doing enough to be fit and was sent home.
“Whose loss is it? How long will it take for him to understand that he was brought into the Test team ahead of Mayank Agarwal, who was the most prolific and consistent run-getter in the domestic circuit that time. If Prithvi is not making the opportunity count, he can only blame himself. It’s his lifestyle causing all the mess,” sources told The Times of India.
Shaw could have made his comeback for the West Indies series but the eight-month ban meant he sat out. His form is not an issue but it is confirmed that the team management will also be keeping an eye on his off-field record, which isn’t too impressive.
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As the things stand now, he isn’t expected to be selected in the Test squad and only stands a chance to make a comeback later in the year as India next play a Test against Australia in December 2020.
The first Test of the series between India and New Zealand stars on February 21 in Wellington. The second Test will start on February 29 in Christchurch.