Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody stated that wicketkeeper-batter Prithvi Shaws omission from the Delhi Capitals (DC) playing XI "doesnt make sense" and suggested that DC should select 24-year-old batter for their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches. Moody pointed out that, while Shaw has been unimpressive in recent seasons, selecting him over Bhui is a more plausible option given his international cricket experience. "It doesnt make sense due to the fact that youve got an Indian international player (Prithvi Shaw) in the dugout. Yes, he hasnt performed in the IPL like we had all hoped he would, but you cant score runs from the dugout," speaking to ESPNcricinfo Moody stated.
Shaw was benched for Delhis first two games this season. Ricky Bhui, a domestic cricket star, has not capitalised on his opportunities, scoring 3 and 0 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), respectively.
Wasim Jaffer expressed surprise that Delhi did not play Shaw despite keeping him for the IPL 2024 mini-auction. In response to the swashbuckling openers omission from DCs opening two encounters, Jaffer said, "Now that they have held onto him and not let him go into the auction, Im surprised theyre not playing him. Hes played for Mumbai for most of the season, so youd imagine that hes fit. Im surprised. Punishing him and then losing the games is not the way to go forward."
Shaw came under fire for a spate of subpar performances in the IPL 2023. He finished with 106 runs from eight innings, an average of 13.25.
Ricky Bhui was caught behind for a duck in Thursdays match against Rajasthan. Nandre Burger struck out the right-handed batter with a crisp bouncer.
Moody commented on the dismissal, stating that it highlighted the disparity between domestic cricket and the IPL.
"Thats exactly what youd like to see a genuine quick bowler to do. And to do it to a top-order player is even more alarming. What it does also is highlight the jump between Ranji Trophy runs to international cricket and IPL," he added.
Rishabh Pant-led side will be desperate to open their account in IPL 2024 when they take on reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.
