Kohli says there're no juniors-seniors in team: Shaw

Speaking to IANS, Delhi Capitals star batsman Prithvi Shaw said that India skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri make things very easy for the youngsters coming into the team

One of the most talented youngsters among the current crop of cricketers Prithvi Shaw has regained full fitness after sustaining an ankle the injury while fielding in a warm-up match at Adelaide ahead of India’s four-match Test series. The injury ruled Shaw out of the entire series and he had to undergo a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

As Shaw works his way back to the national team, preparations for the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also on the back of the mind of the Delhi Capitals star batsman.

Speaking to IANS, Shaw said that India skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri make things very easy for the youngsters coming into the team.

"I have learnt a lot. I mean I was a bit nervous when I first entered that (Indian) dressing room with players having 10 years of experience sitting in front of me. When the skipper and coach said that there are no seniors or juniors, you then kind of open up and irritate them with your questions," he said.

Quashing all the rumors about him that he had not worked hard enough during the rehab after injuring his ankle, Shaw said no one told him anything about not working hard.

"No one told me anything about not working hard. I wanted to play but got injured. I thought I could play the third Test (in Melbourne) but then progress of recovery was slow.

"If you have had a look at my ankle, you would have known that it was really painful. Ankle wasn't healing quickly and I had to return," he explained.

Shaw though praised the facilities at the National Cricket Academy as he went through the rehab in Bengaluru before joining his Mumbai teammates for the Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

"I mean everything was perfect over there (NCA). I did a lot of sessions there. I was working to get fit before Mushtaq Ali T20 as I wanted to get used to the T20 format and then go to the IPL. That's how I had planned my two months of rehab. Trainers and physio were very committed," he revealed.

The No. 4 spot in the World Cup bus is still up for grabs and even though Shaw has not ever batted in the middle-order, he is up for the challenge if the national selectors ask him to adapt.

"For India, it is all about whatever number they want me to bat and not the other way round. When I open the innings in limited overs, my mindset is different. Two men outside 30-yard circle, powerplay overs.

"But when I am going down the order, it will obviously change. I watch a lot of experienced players. I watch if I go at No 5, what will I do there. It's all about mindset, how you approach that situation," he signed off.