In a recent update provided by Sourav Ganguly, Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, it was revealed why Prithvi Shaw did not play in the IPL 2024 campaign opener. Ganguly explained that the decision to exclude Shaw from the playing XI against the Punjab Kings was part of the team’s strategy, opting instead to open with David Warner and Mitchell Marsh.
Shaw’s absence from the Delhi Capitals‘ opening encounter on March 23 in Mullanpur surprised many, especially considering his retention by the team before the mini-auction last December. The team’s choice to open with the all-Australian duo of Marsh and Warner proved fruitful initially, with the pair quickly propelling the team to a strong start by adding 39 runs in just 19 balls.
Marsh contributed 20 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed, while Warner scored 29 runs off 21 balls, including two sixes and three boundaries. Despite the Capitals’ promising start, they struggled to maintain momentum and ended up posting a total of 174 runs in their 20 overs, which the Punjab Kings comfortably chased down with four wickets in hand.
Prithvi Shaw didn’t have a great season last year
Speaking ahead of the Delhi Capitals’ second match, Ganguly clarified the decision to open with Marsh and Warner, emphasizing the need to optimize the team’s batting order for a strong start. He noted that Shaw is indeed an opener but explained that the team opted for a different opening combination based on Marsh and Warner’s successful partnership with Australia.
Shaw’s disappointing performance in the previous season, where he managed only 106 runs in eight matches at an average of 13.25, led to his exclusion from the team due to his lack of impact in the first six games. However, he made a comeback against the Punjab Kings, scoring 54 runs off 38 balls.
Ganguly further explained that the Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff had limited time to work with Shaw during the off-season due to his injury and commitments with Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24.
Shaw’s successful stint in the County Championship was cut short by an injury, delaying his return to action until February, after which he represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, where they emerged as champions.
Despite efforts to integrate Shaw into the team through a four-day training camp, his participation was hindered by his commitments to the Ranji Trophy and Mumbai’s eventual triumph in the tournament.
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