The Indian selectors have gone for the idea of youth and have shown that they are valuing performances as Prithvi Shaw was selected for the Test side. The U-19 hero followed wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant’s footsteps. What does it mean for the Indian team? Do we see glimpses of the future already?
India has gone the bold way after Shaw’s selection as he replaced the struggling Murali Vijay in the side. Shaw will definitely provide the option as a third choice opener for now and his presence brings a light in the tunnel as far as India’s growth and journey is concerned.
The Indian squad, for the final two Tests against England, was announced moments after the visitors won the third match at Nottingham. India trail England 1-2 in the five-match Test series. The fourth Test starts from August 30 onwards at Southampton.
The question that pops up is if this is the right time to integrate Shaw into the senior squad. Shaw is a promising talent and has scored runs everywhere. From domestic cricket, Indian Premier League and the recent India A games against West Indies A and England Lions, Shaw has grown from strength to strength.
By including him, it comes into light that the management is thinking about India’s cricket beyond the current series.
India won’t be hesitant to select youth when required
This comes after Pant was drafted into the side for the first three Tests. Pant showed character behind the stumps at Nottingham, where he picked 6 catches. Pant came in for Dinesh Karthik and is currently leading the race to feature in the remainder of the series.
The message is clear here. Show us what you have got and have you got the mettle to withstand high-quality red ball cricket? With Shaw’s inclusion, the management has shown that the side won’t be hesitant to go for youth when required.
Indian management lays trust on Shaw
Quite possibly, this is a way to slowly make him come in and learn the tricks of the senior team. Kohli’s presence will help him a lot and he could build his play further. The management sees the likes of Pant and Shaw as future Indian players and giving them opportunity seems a wise decision.
Shaw could be on the plane to Australia as the third choice opener next. Although Mayank will provide stiff competition, nonetheless it’s a happy place to be in for Shaw.
Shaw has shown his desire in the big league
So the question arises why not Shaw? The talented batsman scored debut tons in Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy. After a splendid IPL, he amassed two tons versus West Indies A, followed by another century against South Africa A. At the age of just 18, Shaw is showing the maturity and desire to play big in the major stage.
We might get to see Shaw ply his trades soon in Indian Test colours but he needs to be patient for his chance. When it does arrive, he needs to grab it.
Management has backed young guns
Shaw led the U-19 side with perfection and there are many players, of his age, that are being monitored by the board. From Shubhman Gill, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Shivam Mavi, these breed of players are considered as the next big faces of Indian cricket. The BCCI’s thoughts of developing them further in the right manner is a blessing.
A world-class squad is always judged by its bench strength. And these young guns can provide just that,
Shaw can score emphatically
The 18-year old will aim to keep getting runs, in order to be in the radar for the tour of Australia in 2018-19. This also puts 34-year-old Vijay’s career in doubt. Vijay’s touch and reaction perhaps has taken a hit given his age and he isn’t the same as the yesteryears.