IPL 2023: A player like Prithvi Shaw does not just fall out of a tree – Shane Watson defends under-fire DC opener

Delhi Capitals assistant coach Shane Watson has put his weight behind under-fire Prithvi Shaw to get back into form. The youngster hasn’t been at his best and has failed to deliver for Delhi Capitals while batting at the top of the order.

Shaw was run out without troubling the scorers against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday after a brilliant piece of fielding from Anuj Rawat. In fact, Shaw was introduced as an impact player after DC had to chase down 175 runs for the win.

Shaw has managed to score only 34 runs in five matches at a paltry average of 6.80 and a strike rate of 117.24. The talented batter holds the key at the top of the order for DC but he hasn’t been able to provide good starts to his team.

Watson said at a post-match press conference: “Prithvi came off after sitting for 20 overs until the impact player rules came in. Otherwise, he would be out there running around ready to take off and run that a little bit faster. Prithvi is as skilled as any other better in India. And everyone has seen that from the time he made his Test debut. The biggest thing for him is just to be able to allow himself to access the skills with no fear of making a mistake or getting out.

“He can take down the best bowlers in the world and in all conditions. A player like Prithvi does not just fall out of a tree.”

Meanwhile, Shaw has played 68 IPL matches so far, scoring 1622 runs at an average of 23.85 and a strike rate of 146.65.

On the other hand, former Australian all-rounder admitted that they aren’t batting at their best and it has led to their downfall in the tournament.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to put together a good batting innings. Our biggest issue at this point in time is losing wickets in the first six overs and then consistently losing wickets. We were not able to put a partnership together and get some momentum, especially on a ground like Chinnaswamy, if you can set a platform here you can score a lot of runs in the last 10 overs.

“We just are not executing well enough with the bat to be able to get through with the best bowlers with a brand-new ball. We are working with individuals … and right now just the way they are executing is not going as per the plan. They are not getting through the first 10-15 balls to be able to set a platform for their own innings.”

Delhi Capitals will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday.