Ponting disappointed after not being able to improve Prithvi Shaw

Ricky Ponting’s association with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) might have ended, but he still harbours some regrets over development of some individual players. 

The player in question here, Prithvi Shaw, has had a topsy-turvy career in international and IPL cricket so far. While his obvious talent has gotten him opportunities with the Delhi Capitals, he batted at the top of the order with only moderate success despite the franchise showing immense faith in the youngsters’ talent. His IPL numbers - an average of just 23.9 and a strike rate of 146.6 - illustrate that aptly. 

Speaking on the youngster in an interview with Cricbuzz, former Australian skipper and head coach of the Capitals Ricky Ponting rued not being able to help out the youngest ever player to open the batting in the IPL become the cricketer he was envisioned to be at this stage of his career. 

“I mean to start with I don't like talking about individual players, but Prithvi shouldn't be an outlier,” Ponting told Cricbuzz.

“He should be someone that's in every team; the first pick in most teams with the skill that he's got. He's had a chance to represent India as a youngster, making a hundred on his Test debut.

And as you say, halfway through this year, we couldn't find a slot for him in our DC team. So that's disappointing for me as a coach not to be able to make certain players better and get the best out of them.”

Shaw notably has had some tough time off the field as well, with him being embroiled in quarrels and cases of public violence. In the meantime, issues arose with his fitness as well as he gained weight. Amidst all this, his form also dipped in the IPL and he found himself out of favours with the Capitals management. 

Ponting hinted that when he couldn’t improve at the pace he wanted, he would have to begin exploring other options. 

“When you feel like you're not making players better and they're not doing what you need for the team, then you've got to look for other players that can do it for you,” Ponting said. 

“So that then comes back to the player. With him in particular I've had a lot of chats with him, a lot of conversations to try and make him a better cricketer.

I mean, he's still a young man. And he's still a very talented young player. Hopefully, one day, the penny will drop for him, and he will work out what he needs to do to be the best cricketer that he can be.”

Ponting is currently coaching the Washington Freedom team in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament in the United States of America. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.