India heads coach Ravi Shastri feels young Prithvi Shaw has traits of both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag after the 18-year-old smashed his way to a brilliant Test century on debut against the West Indies in the opening day of the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium in Rajkot on Thursday.
Shaw made 134 off 154 deliveries as India posted a commendable 364/4 at stumps of the first day. Cheteshwar Pujara made 85 and added a massive 206-run partnership with the debutant, while skipper Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 72 along with birthday boy Rishabh Pant (17) at the crease.
Playing his first match, Shaw was belligerent in his approach and especially took on spinner Devendra Bishoo, smacking him for a couple of boundaries during his five-hour-long stay at the crease.
His aggressiveness combined with his calm approach and quick adjustment left many in awe including coach Shastri, who showered praises on the youngster for his free and fearless performance.
Also Read: India vs West Indies: Prithvi Shaw shatters multiple records with debut Test century
Well played young man @PrithviShaw for a free and fearless performance on debut. A bit of Viru and the Master there #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/JQ2VtysqaU
“Well played young man @PrithviShaw for a free and fearless performance on debut. A bit of Viru and the Master there #INDvsWI,” posted Shastri on his Twitter handle.
The U-19 World Cup-winning captain thus became the second youngest Indian to have scored a Test century and seventh youngest overall. At the age of 18 years and 329 days, Shaw is only next to Sachin in the list of youngest Indian to score Test hundred. He is also the 15th Indian and the first Rohit Sharma in 2013 to score a century on Test debut. But of the 15, Shaw is the youngest.
He is also the first Indian cricketer to score a hundred in each of his Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Test debut. Sachin had also scored debut centuries in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy but had to wait for 13 matches for his maiden Test ton.
Also Read: Exclusive: Prithvi Shaw should have made debut at The Oval, says Dilip Vengsarkar
Image Source: Times Now