‘We'll definitely consider him’: DC coach Ponting on Shaw’s inclusion ahead of CSK match

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting hinted at the possibility of opening batter Prithvi Shaw making his first appearance in IPL 2024 ahead of their meeting with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Visakhapatnam.

DC are one of only two remaining teams this season, along with five-time champions Mumbai Indians, to have not won a single match as yet, suffering a four-wicket loss against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur in their season-opener followed by a 12-run loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.

Read | Ponting confident of DC's chances against CSK, says they need to play their 'best cricket for 40 overs'

Shaw, who had a lean run last year by collecting just 106 runs in eight matches, was benched for the first two matches of the season with Delhi opting for the Australian opening combination of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Shai Hope and Ricky Bhui occupied the No 3 slot against PBKS and RR respectively, with Bhui having batted at 5 in the season opener.

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When asked about the possibility of Shaw making his first appearance of the season against Chennai and Marsh possibly shifting the to middle order, Ponting said that the Mumbai batter was "pushing" for the opener's spot and that the team management would "definitely" consider him for selection after having a lot at how he's shaping up in the nets.

“Yeah, he's definitely pushing for it. He has worked hard in the last couple of weeks. Obviously, our team make-up in the first game without obviously (Anrich) Nortje being in allowed us to play four overseas batsmen,” Ponting told reporters on the eve of their match against CSK.

“So by doing that, we pushed Mitchell Marsh to the top of the order, which pushed Prithvi out of the side.

“So, yeah, we'll have a really good look at Prithvi at training and see how well he plays in the nets. And if he impresses everybody today, we'll definitely consider him for selection,” the former Australian captain added.

Delhi play the first of their two home games at Vizag's ACA-VDCA Stadium against Chennai on Sunday and face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the same venue on 3 April. The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi had been used for the second half of the Women's Premier League (WPL) including the playoffs, and the franchise intended to let the wickets recover for a bit before being used for the IPL.

DC later play their first home game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 20 April, when they face the Sunrisers Hyderabad.