Prithvi Shaw returned to India’s ODI setup with a bang on Sunday. In the first match of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, the opener scored 43 runs off just 24 deliveries, earning him the Player of the Match award.
It was Prithvi’s first game back after being dropped from the team following a poor performance in Adelaide during the Test series in Australia. Following some outstanding performances in the domestic circuit and the IPL 2021, the right-handed batsman was named to the playing XI. And when he faced the Lankans on Sunday, he left no stone unturned in thwarting their bowling attack.
After registering a 7-wicket win in the first ODI, Shaw spoke about the instructions received from coach Rahul Dravid before walking out to bat.
“Rahul sir didn’t say anything, I just went with my instinct and waited for the loose balls. Obviously wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking and yeah. Pitch was very nice. The first innings also was good but I think it got better in the second innings,” said Prithvi at the post-match presentation.
Prithvi looked in great form until he was bowled by Dushmantha Chameera and hit on the head while batting on 43. The blow was so powerful that it shattered the helmet’s neck guard. In the next over, he misjudged a shot against Dhananjaya de Silva and was caught at long-on by Avishka Fernando.
Speaking about his dismissal, Prithvi said, “I enjoy batting against pace. Maybe after being hit on the head I lost a bit of focus.”
Following Prithvi’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan smashed a fifty on his ODI debut, while Dhawan smashed an unbeaten 86 off 95 balls to lead India to victory with 13.2 overs remaining.
After taking a 1-0 series lead, India will face Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International on Tuesday at the same venue.
