Gautam Gambhir backs Prithvi Shaw to come good for India

There has been some heated discussion about the selection of Prithvi Shaw in the national side with his fitness being a major concern. However, the Mumbai opener has done a pretty decent job in the domestic arcade in recent times, and has also been a force to reckon with in the IPL.

Such was his dominance that he eventually finished the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with the second highest runs, amassing 336 runs at a staggering strike rate of 181.42. Ever since his phenomenal run in the domestic arcade in 2022, there has been a lot of noise about his inclusion in the national side, especially after India’s opening duo of Rohit and Rahul has failed to fire in the shortest format of the game.

Talking to Star Sports about the fitness issues, Gambhir highlighted why Rahul Dravid can be the right man to talk to Shaw, stating, “I feel that if that's the case [fitness and lifestyle issues], someone - whether it's Rahul Dravid or the chairman of selectors - should actually have a word with him, give him clarity and keep him around the group. People who should be on the right path should be around the group, so that they are monitored better. Because the moment you leave them apart, they can go all over the place.”

He further added, “Someone like a Prithvi Shaw, the kind of start he had to his international career and the kind of talent he has, you back a player on talent. Yes, you have to look at the upbringing as well - where he comes from and the challenges he's had as well. It makes even more sense for the management and the selectors to keep him around the mix, and help him get on the right track.”

Gambhir also had some advice for Shaw, stating, “If you're dedicated and passionate enough to play for the country, you've got to be able to get all the parameters right, whether it's the fitness or discipline as well. It's got to be both ways. You've got to give a young boy at least one chance or a couple of chances, and if he still doesn't do that, then he's not passionate enough to play for the country and probably you can look beyond him.”

“But if he's willing to put in the hard yards - and I know how destructive he can be; if he can go on to win games for you, whether it's trainers, management, head coach or chairman of selectors, all these guys should take the onus to try and get these young boys walk on the right path”, concluded Gambhir.