India vs Windies: Prithvi Shaw's father says he will not go to Rajkot for his son's debut Test

Youngster Prithvi Shaw became India’s 293rd Test cricketer on Thursday when he made his international debut in Rajkot against the Windies. He announced himself in style with a century on Day 1 of the Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. However, his father Pankaj Shaw said that he would not be travelling to Rajkot to watch his 18-year old son represent his nation.

Shaw Sr said he will remain at his Juhu residence and is more than happy to watch the momentous occasion on television. “I am not going to Rajkot. I prefer being at home,” Pankaj told mid-day in a phone interview from Mumbai yesterday. Likewise, he wasn’t around when Prithvi made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai last year against Tamil Nadu.

However, some of Pankaj’s friends from Mumbai said they will be present at the stadium to cheer for young Prithvi. But Prithvi Shaw’s father prefers to stay indoors, just like he did when the young man led Team India to an U-19 World Cup victory in New Zealand earlier this year.

A father’s sacrifices

Prithvi Shaw is an up and coming name in Indian cricket. His dominance with the bat in all formats and in various conditions has expedited his international debut. However, his success has a lot to do with his father’s sacrifices, who quit his job so that he’d be able to take his son around Mumbai’s maidans for matches and practice sessions. He ensured that Prithvi woke up as early as 3 am at times so that he would be able to reach the ground on time.

Pankaj travelled with his son in crowded local trains from faraway Virar to the city’s southern end. All throughout the youngster’s career, Pankaj Shaw has been there to support him. Understandably, as a father, he is excited about Prithvi’s Test debut. “I am sure he will do well. I have nothing to tell him now. He knows his game well. He has to continue playing his natural game and not think too much,” said Pankaj.

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