Veteran batsman Gautam Gambhir has asked people not to compare newcomer Prithvi Shaw with the legendary Virender Sehwag,
Justifying the huge hype surrounding him, Prithvi Shaw began his Test career with a bang by slamming 134. The latest knock has further enhanced Shaw’s reputation. At just 18, he has scored 7 first-class centuries, 3 List A centuries, one international century and ten half-centuries.
What stood out in his maiden international outing was his attacking stroke-play. He opened the innings alongside KL Rahul. And while Rahul departed for a duck in the very first over, Shaw looked in complete control as he settled down by hitting a flurry of boundaries.
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He reached his hundred off just 99 balls. In doing so, Shaw became 15th Indian batsman to score a hundred on debut. The opener also became the fourth youngest player of all time to hit a debut ton and the second youngest Indian to make a Test century after Sachin Tendulkar.
The conviction of his stroke-play left many impressed. In fact, many went on to compare him with none other than Virender Sehwag.
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However, Gautam Gambhir feels the comparison is not right, saying:
“Whoever is comparing (Prithvi with Sehwag) needs to think twice before comparing. Ultimately you should not compare anyone to anyone. He (Shaw) has just started his career and there is a long way to go. I have never believed in comparisons.
“He (Shaw) has got his own individuality and Sehwag had his own individuality. He (Shaw) has just started his career and someone like Sehwag has played 100 Test matches,” said Gambhir at a promotional event of ‘Vicks’ on Wednesday.
Gambhir further praised Shaw but was quick to point out that bigger challenges await the youngster.
“Obviously, he’s (Shaw) impressive. He’s very talented and that’s why he is there. The important thing is that he started off his Test career on a very good note but there will be far bigger and far difficult challenges waiting for him,” he added.