For the ultimate of Delhi Capitals’ training at the Feroze Shah Kotla on Friday evening, Prithvi Shaw cut a lost figure, tromping around the practice area and reluctantly going through some bat-swing drills before tromping in for a megahit in a net down from the core team.

Remarkably, his stocks have come crashing down just half through the IPL, when he came into the event promising so much with his dominating form in domestic cricket. On the other side, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh galumphed it out in the nets at the main forecourt for a good hour on the dusk of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Ironically, a franchise that erected its brand and core around some new Indian batters four times has to now look at its overseas resources in the expedient of a dramatic reversal. As per the ongoing proceedings and team practice, Prithvi’s prospects for the rest of the season are not looking bright. Head trainer Ricky Ponting was truly curt in reminding me that Prithvi has been off the form beyond this season.” It’s six games this

“Prithvi, we know, is a match-winner, and that was one reason they retained him. So far this season, he has just managed 40-odd runs, that is not what we bear,” Ponting added. This might be the defining season for Prithvi. It mustn’t be easy for Ponting to admit the pattern.” When he arrived this time, he was with the NCA for some weeks, working hard on his fitness, and was in good physical shape. What he did in the nets suggested to me that this might be a big time for him. When guys are performing or not performing, it’s my job to have a good, honest, open discussion. Nothing is different with Prithvi.” Ponting asserted.

Still, facing an- inversely out-of-form SRH team would have on the top of their want list. If ever eyes would hope for one opposition to start their recovery this season. Both teams have looked out of feathers, having lost their core after the mega trade last time.

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