The Delhi Capitals have been on a roll in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with a strong batting line-up and a formidable bowling attack. However, one player who has been missing from the action in the last few games is Prithvi Shaw. The young opener has been warming the bench, with Abhishek Porel taking his place in the playing XI. And it seems like this could be the end of the road for Shaw with the Delhi Capitals, as the team is unlikely to retain him ahead of the mega auction.
Shaw, who was once touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket, has had a rollercoaster ride in the IPL. He made his debut for the Delhi Capitals in 2018 and had a stellar season, scoring 245 runs in just 9 matches. However, his form has been inconsistent since then, and he has failed to live up to the expectations of the team management.
In the current season, Shaw started off on a high, scoring a blistering 72 off just 38 balls in the opening match against the Chennai Super Kings. But since then, he has struggled to find his rhythm and has managed to score only 82 runs in the next 6 matches. This dip in form has led to the team management benching him and giving a chance to Abhishek Porel.
Porel, who made his IPL debut this season, has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In his first match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he scored a quickfire 50 off just 30 balls, helping the team to a comfortable victory. He has also been impressive with the ball, picking up 3 wickets in the 3 matches he has played so far.
With Porel performing well and Shaw struggling for form, it seems like the Delhi Capitals are ready to move on from the young opener. The team is unlikely to retain him ahead of the mega auction, where all the players will go back into the auction pool. This decision might come as a surprise to many, considering Shaw’s potential and talent. But in the cut-throat world of T20 cricket, performances matter the most, and Shaw has failed to deliver consistently.
Moreover, the Delhi Capitals have a strong batting line-up, with the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, and Steve Smith in their ranks. They also have other young talents like Prithvi’s U-19 teammate Shubman Gill and the explosive Shimron Hetmyer, who can fill in the opening slot if needed. This makes Shaw’s position in the team even more uncertain.
However, this could also be a blessing in disguise for Shaw. A change of team might just be what he needs to revive his career. He has shown glimpses of his talent in the past, and with the right guidance and support, he can become a force to be reckoned with in the IPL. The mega auction will give him a chance to start afresh and prove his worth to a new team.
In conclusion, it is unfortunate to see a talented player like Prithvi Shaw warming the bench for the Delhi Capitals. But in the highly competitive world of T20 cricket, performances matter the most, and Shaw has failed to deliver consistently. The team’s decision to not retain him ahead of the mega auction might come as a surprise, but it could also be a new beginning for Shaw. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors and hope to see him back in action soon.
