Shaw reminds me of Sachin, says Mark Waugh

MUMBAI: Prithvi Shaw is earning high praise, the teenaged batsman making an impact with classic strokeplay opening the batting for Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

The 18-year-old, who led India to the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, has stepped into the shoes of Gautam Gambhir and produced two match-winning knocks at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground.

After the Mumbai batsman’s 25-ball 47 on Wednesday night’s win against Rajasthan Royals has earned him comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar, from Mark Waugh, the ex-australia batting great who was famous for his stylish strokeplay. Analysing the game on the Select Dugout show for official broadcasters Star, Waugh said: “The first thing you notice is his technique, it’s very similar to Sachin Tendulkar. His grip, his stance, he stays very still at the crease and plays all his shots around the wicket.

“He plays the ball quite late and is quite punchy in his stroke play and has an excellent base to play any shot from any bowler. He’s just so much like Sachin Tendulkar.”

Shaw has been hailed as a special talent since he scored 546 as a 14-year-old, for Rizvi Springfield School in Mumbai Harris Shield tournament in 2013. Last year, he struck a century on Ranji Trophy debut in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu and then became the youngest at 17 to score a hundred on Duleep Trophy debut.