Virender Sehwag backs Ricky Ponting's idea of giving an out of form Prithvi Shaw a break

Delhi Capitals lost their erstwhile encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge 59 runs. By winning the much-needed clash, KKR continues marching in the playoff race. It was also seen in the last match that opener Prithvi Shaw was dropped from the playing XI of Delhi. Shaw had a great start to the season, where he smashed two half-centuries in the first four matches.

However, his form dipped as the season progressed and ended registering two ducks in the last three innings. In the same light, DC’s head coach Ricky Ponting decided to give him a break and go with Ajinkya Rahane in his place. His decision has been lauded by former ace batsman Virender Sehwag who believes it was a fine move to give an out-form player a break. Sehwag also added that Ponting would continue to back the opener no matter what.

“Ricky Ponting will continue to back Prithvi Shaw, but he has been in poor form in the past few games, and hence he has been given a break because of the form. Sometimes, a batsman develops a mindset that no matter what I am doing, it is not working in my favour. So, at the time, you either take a break yourself, or someone gives you a break, it works best for everyone,” he said on Cricbuzz.

Virender Sehwag shares his story from 2006

Virender Sehwag also shared his side of the story and stated that he was asked to play despite his dipping form. He shared experience of the year 2006, where his form was dipping but was asked by both Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly to keep playing for the team. He had to adamantly ask for a halt back then.

“I share my own story when back in 2006, I was not able to score any runs. But still, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly kept me in the playing XI. I kept telling them that I am not being able to perform, I am not being able to score runs. So, give me a break. Instead of giving me a break, in one series, I was made the captain,” concluded ace opener.