The promising young opener Prithvi Shaw has become indispensable in the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad. Shaw played eight games out of 14 in the league stage and was replaced in the top-order by Abhishek Porel, especially since Jake Fraser-McGurk took the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by storm with his sensational hitting. DC's assistant coach Pravin Amre had a clear answer when asked about Shaw's exclusion in the last few games.
"He [Shaw] was our retained played, and as you see, last four [of five] games he was also on the bench. But that's the IPL," Amre said after DC's 19-run win in the last league stage game against Lucknow Super Giants at home. "If you are not in form, you can't [keep your place]. Ultimately, the pressure for the team is so much that every game is important and we have to win.
"And we had done that. Without playing him, we won the games. And whoever got the opportunity... I think Abishek grabbed the opportunities with both hands."
Shaw warmed the benches in the first two games. He showed promise with a 27-ball 43 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Later, he scored a half-century against Mumbai Indians (MI) as well. However, he could not be consistent and lost his spot in the playing XI or as an impact player. He scored 198 runs from eight games at an average of 24.75. His strike rate was 163.34.
Amre lauds Porel
Porel on May 14 repaid the team management's faith with a 33-ball 58 against LSG after Fraser-McGurk departed for a two-ball duck in the first over.
"What an innings [Porel] played today," Amre said. "We saw Jake [Fraser-McGurk] getting out in the first over and even then we managed to get 73 runs in the powerplay. I think that's what was so critical and the credit goes to Shai Hope and Porel for getting that 92-run partnership today."
The Rishabh Pant-led side has seven wins from 14 games and is placed fifth on the points table. Their playoff qualification chances are slim but depend on the outcome of other games.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Rajasthan Royals become 2nd team to qualify for IPL 2024's playoffs after DC's 19-run against LSG
