New Zealand vs India: Prithvi is very destructive, says Kohli
Indian captain Virat Kohli backed Prithvi Shaw to go all out ahead of the all-important Christchurch Test. The Indian opener failed to capitalise upon his decent starts in both the innings. However, Kohli believes Prithvi is a destructive batsman he will adjust with the conditions soon. Shaw was preferred over Shubman Gill in the XI with the absence of Rohit Sharma. Here's more.
It's all about the mindset with Prithvi: Kohli
"It is just a matter of understanding the pace of the wicket and conditions. When Prithvi is in a clear frame of mind, he is destructive. Once he feels that he can do it, it will be a different ball game," Kohli said.
First Test was forgettable for Prithvi
Prithvi's return in Test cricket didn't pan out as expected. He displayed shades of his Test debut in the beginning, but was unable to tackle the swing eventually. While a ripper from Tim Southee rattled his stumps in the first innings, the second innings saw him getting deceived by a Trent Boult's in-swinger. Overall, he scored 30 runs.
Prithvi struck a historic century on his Test debut
After scoring runs by the truckload for Mumbai in domestic circuit, Prithvi earned his maiden international call-up in a Test against West Indies in 2018. At 18, he became the youngest Indian centurion in Test cricket as he slammed a hundred off just 99 balls. However, he was slapped with an eight-month ban from all forms of competitive cricket for failing a dope test.
How has he fared since a return to cricket?
After the completion of his ban, Prithvi was all guns blazing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. He continued his amazing run by scoring a double ton for Mumbai in their opening match of the Ranji season.. He did reasonably well in the India A tour. However, his return to Team India saw him fail in the ODIs and now the first Test.
Prithvi's technique will be tested in Christchurch
The young Indian opener would be looking to iron out his chinks in the second Test against the Kiwis at Christchurch. Prithvi will have to be even more cautious at the top with New Zealand seamer Neil Wagner returning to the fold. The Kohli-led Team India must be eyeing a victory in the Test commencing on February 29, to avoid a series defeat.
