Prithvi Shaw impresses after comeback from doping ban
Youngster Prithvi Shaw made a dazzling return to cricket with a bang on Sunday. The opening batsman smashed a superb half-century for Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shaw, who was suspended earlier for a doping violation, impressed one all with his stroke-play in his comeback match. His exploits helped Mumbai seal victory. Here are the details.
Shaw slams 39-ball 63, shares 138-run opening stand
The talented 20-year-old right-handed batsman registered a brisk 63 off 39 balls to help Mumbai post a mammoth 206 for 5 against Assam at the Wankhede. Shaw and fellow opener Aditya Tare added a 138-run stand for the first wicket with the wicketkeeper top-scoring with a 48-ball 82. Shaw slammed seven fours and two sixes at a strike-rate of 161.53.
How did the match pan out?
Shaw and Tare set up the base for Mumbai with a defining stand. Post that, Mumbai wobbled a bit with Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube registering ducks. But Siddesh Lad's 14-ball 32, helped Mumbai get past 200 runs. For Assam, Riyan Parag (3/30) impressed at large. In reply, Assam were blown apart and managed 123/8 in 20 overs.
The knock was crucial for Shaw
Shaw's innings was crucial in terms of building confidence and showing the selectors what he has got. The BCCI selection committee will be closely monitoring his moves in domestic cricket, now that his suspension ended on November 15. Shaw will have a tough period in order to make a return to the Indian Test team, in particular. He has to score runs across formats.
How did Shaw fare in cricket after his international debut?
The youngster made his debut in international cricket last year. He scored 134 on debut in the first Test against the West Indies in Rajkot. The player followed it up with 70 and 33* in the next Test. He was ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia due to an ankle injury. He scored 353 runs in IPL 12 for Delhi Capitals.
Shaw was suspended for a doping violation
Shaw was suspended until November 15 for a doping violation committed in the 2018-19 season. He was said to have inadvertently taken a banned substance found in cough syrups. Based on the findings, the BCCI had put forward a back-dated eight month suspension.
Shaw's urine sample had tested positive
The youngster's urine sample was taken as part of the BCCI's anti-doping testing program during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match on February 22, 2019 in Indore. The sample was subsequently tested and found to contain Terbutaline. This is a specified substance that is prohibited both In and Out of Competition in the WADA's Prohibited List of Substances.
What's the situation of India's Test opening department?
In Shaw's absence, Mayank Agarwal has sealed his place in the Test team as an opener. The Karnataka batsman has already smashed two double centuries for India. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma impressed against South Africa as an opener and looks set to don the opener's hat for the near future. Youngster Shubman Gill is currently the third choice. Therefore, things look difficult for Shaw.
