Former Australian all-rounder and current assistant coach of Delhi Capitals, Shane Watson, recently extended his support to struggling Indian opener Prithvi Shaw. The 23-year-old has had a poor run of form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for Delhi Capitals, scoring just 34 runs in five matches, with his highest score being 15.
Watson, who was known for his hard-hitting batting during his playing days, believes that Shaw is skilled and has the potential to take on even the best bowlers in world cricket. “The talks with Prithvi have been just to have the freedom to go out there and trust his skills. The biggest thing for him is to just continue allowing himself to access those skills with no fear about making a mistake or getting out,” said Watson.
Given his success in international cricket, Watson’s comments on Shaw’s ability to perform at the highest level are particularly significant. According to Watson, players with the level of talent that Shaw possesses are a rare commodity and need to be nurtured and supported to reach their full potential.
The Delhi Capitals assistant coach also acknowledged the role that the coaching staff could play in helping Shaw regain his form. “That’s the real big reinforcement we are giving him as a coaching group because we all know his skill. When he is batting at his best, he can take down the best bowlers in all conditions,” he concluded.
Despite Shaw’s struggles in the current IPL season, Shane Watson has thrown his full support behind the young Indian opener. The former Australian cricketer is confident that Shaw can become one of the best batters in India and world cricket with the right guidance.