Prithvi Shaw’s electric start to his international Test career has seen the youngster earn rave reviews from former and current players alike.
The 18-year-old opening batsman became the youngest batsman from India to score a ton on his Test debut when he smashed 134 in the opening Test against the West Indies at Rajkot.
The Mumbai batsman’s free flowing game has seen him being compared to Virender Sehwag, one of the finest Test openers produced by the country.
However, Sehwag’s former India and Delhi opening partner Gautam Gambhir believes such comparisons are premature.
“He (Shaw) is impressive, very talented – that is why he is there. He started his Test career on a very good note but there will be far bigger and far difficult challenges awaiting him,” Gambhir was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
“Whoever is comparing needs to think before doing that. He (Shaw) has just started his career and there is a long way to go. I have never believed in comparisons. He has his own individuality and Sehwag has his own. He has played one match and Sehwag over 100 Tests,” the former India opener added.
Gambhir and Sehwag formed a formidable opening partnership.
While Shaw is creating a big buzz with a rollicking start to his Test career, another youngster Rishabh Pant too has caught the eye with his performances.
The wicketkeeper batsman smashed a quick-fire 92 in the first Test against the West Indies and his attacking approach has seen increased calls for him to replace a struggling MS Dhoni in the limited-overs setup.
According to Gambhir, India’s wicketkeeping slot should go to the most in-form player.
“There’s never been a right time or a wrong time. It really depends on the combination, and ultimately it is performance that will keep you in the side. If MS continues to do well, he should be playing but if someone else does well, that’s where it has got to be,” Gambhir stated.
