World Cup 2019: Prithvi Shaw wants Shikhar Dhawan-Rohit Sharma to display their mettle

Young opener Prithvi Shaw is wanting to see his senior India teammates, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, to deliver in the upcoming World Cup. Both Rohit and Dhawan will be crucial to India’s chances if the Men in Blue are eyeing the coveted trophy. The twelfth edition of the World Cup will start from May 30 in England and Wales with India set to start their campaign on June 5. Hopes are sky high from Rohit and Dhawan as they are two of the biggest batting mainstays of the team.

Rohit and Dhawan’s record in ICC tournaments in nothing less than breathtaking. So far they have batted thrice in 50-over ICC tournaments — 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy and 2015 World Cup — and have delivered in all the three tournaments. Dhawan has been India’s top-scorer in all three 50-over ICC tournaments he has played so far. He started his journey in ICC tournaments with back-to-back centuries against South Africa and West Indies and has not looked back since then. On the other hand, Rohit has been India’s second highest run-scorer in all those competitions.

To sum up the story, only former Australia openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden with 1539 have scored more runs than Dhawan-Rohit (1195). And Shaw has backed the two to have another superb outing in an ICC tournament. The youngster, who has already made his Test debut, also failed to pick out one between the two. Shaw had recently opened with Dhawan in the IPL while Rohit is his state senior.

“I’m comfortable opening the innings with both players. It’s an honour for me to bat with players who I’ve admired while growing up. So, it’s a big thing for me to bat with either of the players,” Shaw told the media during a media interaction for the ongoing Mumbai T20 League.

Shaw on Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly

Shaw recently had a good outing in the IPL. Playing for Delhi Capitals, he scored 353 runs in 16 matches. The 19-year-old spoke on being coached and mentored by Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly during his time with the Delhi-based outfit.

“I’ve learned a lot playing under these legends that have the experience of playing 15-20 years of international cricket. Rather than focusing on batting technique or skills, they would concentrate on preparing us mentally. I didn’t feel nervous while batting in such a big tournament because of them,” he said.

Mumbai North Panthers will face NaMo Bandra Blasters in their next match on May 17 at 7:30 pm.

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