Prithvi Shaw returned to his match-winning ways with a smashing 63 runs off 39 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy match against Assam on Sunday at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. This was Prithvi's first match since he was banned in July by the Board for Control of Cricket in India for ingesting a prohibited substance, commonly found in cough syrups.
Prithvi celebrated his half century by raising his bat to the stands and gesturing that he will let his bat do the talking. He hit seven fours and two sixes on the way to his half-century. Fans pointed out that the move was similar to the time that India skipper Virat Kohli also raised his bat to imply that he will let his bat do the talking during a Test match against Australia. However, with this particular action, Prithvi has not found favour with many fans, who called him “arrogant” and “over-confident”.
“Welcome back! He is making a comeback today and @PrithviShaw makes it a memorable one with a fine-half century for Mumbai against Assam in @Paytm #MushtaqAliT20,” tweeted BCCI Domestic's Twitter handle along with the video of Prithvi celebrating his fifty, but was soon flooded with comments over the young cricketer's action.
“It would be good if the younger players emulate Kohli's work ethic rather than the other stuff. Shaw is overrated. Just 2 home tests against WI and he thinks he is the next Sachin,” said one Twitter user.
“I have no problem with his gesture but IMO it's too early to do it. Let's score consistently first,” said another.
“This is the problem with the young players. Coming Back from a ban, scoring a half century against a relatively weaker bowling attack, and then making gestures. They need to learn to be humble. This over confident kid won't last long in the international arena. MARK MY WORDS!,” another wrote.
However, not all were up in arms against Prithvi. Several fans expressed their delight at the 20-year-old making his comeback.
“.@PrithviShaw after his half century on comeback signals that his bat will do all the talking from hereon. The best way to do it. Imagine Shaw and Mayank in full flow in Tests,” wrote one user.
“More power to you Prithvi. Just focus on your game. India definitely will need your services. So proud to have young and dynamic talent,” tweeted another.
Others berated “the haters” by saying its easier to give lectures about ethics and values.
“Going by tweets and as always is the case in social media, Everyone busy teaching moral values to Prithvi instead of congratulating on the innings. On social media everybody becomes a saint and starts lecturing about ethics and values,” the user tweeted.
Mumbai won the T20 match against Assam by 83 runs. Mumbai posted 206 for five while Assam could manage only 123 for eight.
