Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull has criticized Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Prithvi Shaw heavily for his lack of fitness and for not changing anything in his game despite a poor IPL 2023 which led to the management dropping him from the XI for their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 24, 2023.
Ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, DC head coach Ricky Ponting had praised Prithvi Shaw to the moon, backing the youngster to go all guns blazing after a phenomenal run in the domestic season across formats.
But the opener has had a nightmarish start to the season, before being dropped from the line-up completely for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“We know he is a very good player and he will be working to get back into the team. He is hungry and determined to get back and I have full confidence that he can do it,” explained DC skipper David Warner after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
In six matches, Shaw has managed only 47 runs in 40 deliveries, his highest being a knock of 15 runs.
If Things Aren’t Working You Have To Change It Up: Simon Doull Unhappy With Prithvi Shaw’s Work Ethics
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull however wasn’t surprised at all as he lambasted Shaw for his poor season and lack of fitness. Shaw was being used as an Impact Player option in the last three games.
Doull pointed out the incident during the RCB v DC game in Bengaluru when Shaw had denied a single to Warner and then got out the very next ball, run out going for a double. Doull opined that despite Shaw being on the bench throughout the time when the team was fielding.
He was lazy in his running between the wickets.
“You can’t continue down the same road. If things aren’t working you have to change it up and he has to understand where he is at in his game. And right now, it’s just not good enough. There was an incident with the run-out situation in Bangalore with Warner. He sat on the backside of the bench the whole time when Delhi were fielding and did nothing and later when he came out he was lazy with the running. These little things in the game matter and it comes back to haunt you at times. He has had a poor season and I don’t think he is fit at all and has neither adjusted his game as such. He has paid the price,” Doull said on Cricbuzz.
DC replaced Shaw with Sarfaraz Khan for the match against SRH.