Delhi Capitals (DC) seem to be finally picking up some momentum after a horrible start to this Indian Premier League (IPL) season which saw them lose their first five games. Since then they have picked up two consecutive victories against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Their victory against SRH saw them defend a total under 150 (144) for the first time in their IPL history. Axar Patel was the star of the show as his knock of 34(34) and bowling return of 2/21 helped DC put up a winning score and defend it. A notable absence for the Capitals was batsman Prithvi Shaw who didn't even make it to the substitutes bench for the match.
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Here's why Shaw was dropped by DC in their match against SRH.
Why was Prithvi Shaw dropped by DC against SRH?
At the beginning of this year's IPL, there were expectations of great performances from Shaw from all quarters. However, across six innings the batsman has only scored a mere 47 runs, with a knock of 15 runs his highest tally so far this season. After starting the first two games for DC this campaign, Shaw was used as an impact player for the next four fixtures, before being completely dropped from the matchday squad.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull lambasted Shaw's displays so far this season. He attributed a lack of fitness and proper attitude to the batter's dismal performances so far, and to finally being dropped by his side. In particular, an incident during their match with Royal Challengers Bangalore this year, where Shaw denied his skipper David Warner a single did not go down too well with Warner and the rest of the DC staff and players, per Doull.
"You can't continue down the same road. If things aren't working you have to change it up and he has to understand that where he is at in his game. It's just not good enough. There was an incident with the run-out situation in Bangalore with (David) Warner. He sat on the backside of the bench the whole time when Delhi were fielding and did nothing and later when he came out he was lazy with the running. These little things in the game that come back to haunt you at times. He has had a poor season. I don't think he is overly fit. I don't think he has really adjusted his game as such and he has paid the price," stated Doull.
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When is DC playing next?
DC will next again play SRH, but this time at home at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, on April 29 at 7:30 pm IST.
