Prithvi Shaw: Learnt a lot about mental aspect of the game from Ponting, Ganguly

The Mumbai batsman says interactions with Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly were focused on the mental aspects of the game.

Published : May 17, 2019 17:51 IST , Mumbai

Prithvi Shaw scored 353 runs in IPL 2019 with two half-centuries to his name.
Prithvi Shaw scored 353 runs in IPL 2019 with two half-centuries to his name.
lightbox-info

Prithvi Shaw scored 353 runs in IPL 2019 with two half-centuries to his name.

Young Prithvi Shaw on Friday said he learnt a lot about the mental aspect of the game from legendary Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly during the recently-concluded Indian Premier League.

Shaw played for IPL franchise Delhi Capitals under two former skippers -- coach Ponting and team advisor Ganguly.

“Learnt a lot playing under the legends Ricky Sir and Sourav Sir. Having played 15-20 years of international cricket, they have a lot experience all over the world. It’s not about three-four things we are being taught, it’s more about mentally (being) over there,” Shaw said at the press briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing T20 Mumbai league.

“They won’t talk about technique or anything, it would be match by match...what the plans and strategies are and not about our skills. Obviously when you are on that stage, you also know things and that’s why you are here. So they helped us mentally, preparing us to be strong.

Read: Vengsarkar bats for K.L. Rahul at No 4

“Being a youngster and playing the IPL, it is a big thing for me. I would be nervous but because of them, they would help me calm down,” the 19-year-old added.

Shaw, who is currently leading the North Mumbai Panthers at the T20 Mumbai League, admitted that he was not a good fielder but worked on it as he felt it would be an important aspect in making it to the national team.

“It (fielding) is important in T20s. When I used to play U-14, U-16, I wasn’t a good fielder even if I was the captain. I realised fielding is going (to play) a very important role if you want to play for India. And from there (on) I started working on it and I am pretty much doing well in Indian cricket,” Shaw said.

Asked about his equation with two opening batmen of India -- Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan -- Shaw said, “When I am playing with Shikhar bhai, I am comfortable with him and when I am playing with Rohit bhai I am comfortable with him as well. Playing with them its a big thing for me.”

Shaw said he was initially disappointed after sustaining an injury in Australia.

“It was big opportunity for me, going there but unfortunately my leg twisted and this thing happened. I was disappointed at the start, but a lot of senior players, coaches, and all my friends helped me. After that my dad always said that you are a guy (who) can come back stronger (and) I always believed in that.”

Shaw praised the T20 Mumbai League saying it is a good platform for the young players to grow.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment