One of the greatest potential to graduate from the U-19 Class of 2018, Prithvi Shaw has already made the giant leap into international cricket after making his debut in all formats of the game.
The U19 World Cup-winning captain of the Indian team, in a recent interaction, opened up about the role which Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid played in helping him mould his career.
The two stalwarts of cricket have been supportive of the Mumbaikar who recently came into radar of critics, following average performances during New Zealand tour.
Shaw made a comeback in the Indian lineup after serving his eight-month ban period due to doping violation.
“Yes, whenever Sachin sir is in Mumbai, I try and meet him. If I am practising and Sachin sir is free, he just comes to the nets and gives advice,” Shaw told TOI.
“Whenever I feel any discomfort with my batting or need any advice, he is someone who is always there for me. He has told me to feel free about calling or messaging him anytime. He has helped me a lot during my journey,” added Shaw on Tendulkar’s mentorship.
However, the credit of India’s vast reserves must go to the ultimate ‘Yes Man of Indian cricket’. After serving a glorious tenure in the Indian team for a couple of decades, Dravid took up the coaching role to nurture young talents in the U19 squad, and enrich the pool of candidates for the senior side in India ‘A’.
“Rahul sir has played a big role both in my cricketing life and life beyond the boundary rope. Being a disciplined sportsperson himself, Rahul sir talks about those things,” the 20-year old commented on Dravid’s mentorship role.
Indian cricket is blessed to have a servant like Dravid, who during his cricketing days, batted at any number asked, took on captaincy and wicketkeeping role, all for the benefit of the team.
“I have really learnt a lot about the mental aspect of the game from him. A lot of things that I have learnt in the past three-four years during my U-19 World Cup journey as well as India A are due to him,” concluded Shaw.
