Leave Shaw alone: Virat

Hyderabad, October 11 

Teenage batting sensation Prithvi Shaw’s performance in the opening Test against West Indies has not only earned him a lot of accolades but also comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. India skipper Virat Kohli, however, wants the young opener to be left alone.

Shaw struck an aggressive 134 off 154 balls to help India register a massive innings and 272-run victory over the depleted tourists in the first Test against Rajkot.

On the eve of the second Test, Kohli, while heaping praises on the young gun, urged the cricketing world to give him time to develop.

“I don’t think he should be thrust into anything yet because you have to understand, have to give the youngster the space to grow,” Kohli said. “This guy is supremely talented and he has got a great ability, as everyone saw. We definitely think that he has what it takes to play at the highest level and he has shown that in his first game already. He is a keen learner, a very sharp guy.” 

“We all are very happy for him, but I think we should not compare him to anyone yet or put him in a space where he starts feeling pressure of any kind,” he added.

‘India prepared for Windies fightback’ 

Kohli said they were prepared for a Windies fightback.  “They are going to come hard at us in this game because it’s only a two-match series and you don’t have the room to do anything apart from making a comeback at this stage,” he said.  Commenting on the pitch here, Kohli felt it will offer something to everyone.  “It is always a good wicket in Hyderabad. The pitch doesn’t wear and tear much because of the weather here.” 

While India have named an unchanged 12-man squad, West Indies have been boosted by the return of regular captain Jason Holder and fast bowler Kemar Roach. “It’s always good to have the captain back,” said West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase. “I can’t really say who is playing but it’s really good to have Kemar Roach back.” — Agencies