India take on West Indies in the first Test in Rajkot from Thursday with all eyes firmly fixed on young Prithvi Shaw. The talented opener will be making his debut for India in the first match of the two-Test series.
On Wednesday, Prithvi had his first full practice session with the Indian cricket team. In a video released by the BCCI, the right-hander can be seen batting alongside his opening partner KL Rahul. Prithvi seems to be timing the ball beautifully as he prepares to make a grand entry into international cricket.
Here's a glimpse of Prithvi Shaw and Virat Kohli batting in the Team India nets
Here's all that Prithvi spoke about
On his first practice session with Team India
I'm feeling very good, a bit nervous but when I came to the dressing room Virat bhai and Ravi sir told me that there's no concept of senior and junior here. It felt nice and I was very comfortable. Everyone was very happy to see me in the dressing room. We just finished our first practice session and it was very good. I really enjoyed my first practice session here. It's been going great. The dressing room is a fun place. There are players with many years of international experience and I'm probably the youngest but they've made me feel very comfortable.
On his approach while batting in the nets
I had no plans, I actually went in with a blank mind. I just thought to myself that I don't want to get out, because every time I bat in the nets I try to treat it like a match and not get out casually. Everything was perfect and I really enjoyed my first practice session with the Indian cricket team.
On his interaction with skipper Virat Kohli
I think he's a really funny guy off the field. Obviously, we know he's tough on the field, but off the field he's a nice, funny guy. I just spoke to him and we shared some jokes. He tried to speak Marathi which was very funny. There's a great sense of team bonding in Indian cricket. It's really nice to see how he (Kohli) tried to make me comfortable and helped me out if I was nervous. I think I'm fine now.
On his interaction with coach Ravi Shastri
Ravi sir just told me to enjoy my game and the practice session. He told me to play in the same manner as I have played in the Ranji Trophy and repeat what I have been doing for all the years that I have played.
On getting his maiden Test cap
Getting the Test cap is a really proud feeling. I'm looking I'm feeling nice and looking forward to win the match.
