Mumbai batsman Prithvi Shaw arrives to a quiet reception, but is happy

A rousing reception would have been apt for Prithvi Shaw, who arrived in Mumbai from a highly successful tour of England with the India under-19 cricket team. But the city's batting sensation was happy with a low-key homecoming

India U-19 ODI captain Prithvi Shaw arrives from England yesterday. Pic/Datta Kumbhar

A rousing reception would have been apt for Prithvi Shaw, who arrived in Mumbai from a highly successful tour of England with the India under-19 cricket team. But the city's batting sensation was happy with a low-key homecoming.

Shaw, 17, led the Indian team in the limited overs segment of the tour in which the hosts were thrashed 5-0 after India beat England 2-0 in the two-match Test series. "It was a good learning experience for me as captain of the one-day side. All players supported me and contributed in the win, but coach WV Raman sir gave me lot of confidence to lead the side and bat well," Shaw told mid-day yesterday.

In seventh heaven
Earlier this year, India managed to win the five-match ODI series against the same opponents 3-2, so the limited overs clean sweep was beyond Shaw's expectations. "We just wanted to play well and win both Test and ODI series but I didn't really expect such a victory margin. All credit to the team and support staff," said Shaw.  

Prithvi Shaw. Pic/Getty Images
 
The classy player was the highest scorer in the two Tests in which he scored 250 runs with three half-centuries. In the ODIs, he scored 160 in five games. "Every player wants to convert his fifties into hundreds. However, I am satisfied with my performance. To beat England 7-0 in their backyard made us really proud," he said.

Shaw's next challenge is next year's under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. Before that, there is the Asia Cup at Malaysia in November.  "We are ready to accept the Asia Cup challenge… whoever the opponents are… we are confident of beating them.

Apart from being grateful to WV Raman, the team coach in the absence of Rahul Dravid who is in South Africa with the India A team, Shaw revealed that Dravid's teachings before the England tour proved extremely useful. "Dravid sir prepared us mentally during the camp in Bangalore. He zeroed in on how to face tough situations in England and that helped us a lot while playing there," he said.

Raman impressed
Raman waxed eloquent on Shaw. The former batsman said: "Prithvi put the opposition fast bowlers on the back foot and he likes to attack right from the start. Yes, he could have converted some scores into big ones, but he has got a positive mindset and plays his shots fearlessly. Personally, I would not want him to sacrifice his positive intent and confidence. He is a good striker of the ball on the front and back foot. He should continue to play as he is playing now. As a leader, he reads situations very well. He tries to be ahead of the game."

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