Xtra Time Web Desk: India opener Prithvi Shaw is determined to make full use of the opportunity in upcoming white ball series in Sri Lanka. The Mumbai batsman will have a stiff competition from Devdutt Padikkal and Rururaj Gaikwad for the opener’s slot. Shikhar Dhawan, who is also the captain of the team to Sri Lanka will be the regular opener. The Indian team is slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is respectively. The first ODI will be played on July 13.
“This tour, I just have to grab the opportunity. I was desperate to get back in the Indian team. I have always kept the team above me. Be it India, Ranji Trophy team, club or my school team. I want to give my best,” Prithvi Shaw told Indian Express before leaving for Colombo.
The talented batsman could also be called to England for the upcoming five match test series. Prithvi is looking forward to working alongside Rahul Dravid, who has been appointed the coach of the Indian team to the island nation.
“There is a different kind of enjoyment playing under Rahul Dravid sir. He was our India under-19 coach. The way he speaks, the way he shares his coaching experience, is just amazing. Whenever he talks about the game, it shows how much experience he brings to the table. He knows everything about cricket. The way he speaks on conditions and how to use them, is just out of this world,” Prithvi Shaw said.
Prithvi was dropped from the India test team after the first test against Australia in Adelaide. Since then he has worked hard on his technique. He spent time with Praveen Amre, who is also the batting consultant at Delhi Capitals. He had an outstanding Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring five consecutive hundreds. He averaged 165.40 along with a staggering strike rate of 145
“Everyone knew that I had worked hard on my batting and there is some change in my technique too. During the Australia tour, there was lot of talk about my technique. There was talk about my fitness. This time, everyone felt and saw that I have worked hard. I was just eager to make my comeback. I don’t bother what others feel but I felt I needed to improve on a daily basis,” he added.