Prithvi Shaw double century vs Somerset: Will Royal London One-Day Cup knock spur his India comeback chances?

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Young India batter Prithvi Shaw's outstanding knock of 244 off 153 balls for Northamptonshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup 2023, has raised speculations regarding his potential inclusion in the Indian national cricket team for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

The 23-year-old cricketer's remarkable batting display showcased his skills and ability to dominate Somerset bowlers. Shaw hit an array of shots all around the park at County Ground in Northampton. His innings was laced with 28 boundaries and 11 sixes but it was his conversion after completing the century that was commendable.

The talented right-handed batter from Mumbai got to his ninth List-A century off 81 balls. Shaw shifted gears immediately to enter turbo mode as he scored his career's second double-hundred in the one-day format in just 129 balls. This was his first List A century since his 165 against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinal when he led Mumbai to lift the title in 2020-21.

It is the sixth-highest individual score in the history of List A cricket. With such commendable innings under his belt, there is a growing belief that Shaw might have presented a strong case for himself to be considered for selection in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC ODI World Cup that will follow. Prithvi Shaw slams 153-ball 244 for Northamptonshire in debut County Season

Reasons for Prithvi Shaw's Decline in the Indian Cricket Team

There were several reasons for Prithvi Shaw going down in the pecking order in the Indian cricket team despite starting his international career on a high. One of the main factors was his struggle with form and consistency. After making an impressive debut, Shaw faced a dip in performance which led to questions about his technique and ability to adapt to different conditions.

Another reason was his off-field disciplinary issues. Shaw faced criticism for violating the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) anti-doping guidelines, resulting in a suspension from cricket for eight months. This incident raised concerns about his professionalism and commitment towards the sport.

Furthermore, there were concerns regarding Shaw's fitness levels. He struggled with injuries during crucial periods, including ankle and shoulder injuries that kept him out of important matches. These recurring setbacks hindered his progress and made it difficult for him to maintain consistency at the highest level.

Additionally, competition within the Indian cricket team played a role in Shaw's decline. With talented players emerging from domestic cricket and performing well on the international stage, Shaw faced tough competition for a spot in the playing XI. The emergence of other young batters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma further reduced Shaw's opportunities.

Lastly, there were also technical flaws identified in his batting technique that needed improvement. His tendency to play away from his body without proper footwork made him vulnerable against quality bowling attacks. Opposition teams exploited these weaknesses, leading to frequent dismissals.

Overall, a combination of poor form, off-field issues, fitness concerns, increased competition within the team, and technical flaws contributed to Shaw going down in the pecking order despite starting his international career on a high note.

Will Ajit Agarkar and Rahul Dravid take notice of Shaw?

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Rahul Dravid have both seen the Delhi Capitals' batter from close quarters. They along with the rest of the stakeholders should undoubtedly take notice of this exceptional knock and evaluate whether it warrants his comeback into the national side.

Only time will tell if Shaw's remarkable form translates into an opportunity to represent India on these grand stages of international cricket because there is no dearth of talent in Indian cricket and there are too many contenders for similar spots.