“It’s impossible to score runs from the dugout,” Tom Moody says of the Delhi Capitals’ poor decision

NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricket player Tom Moody has expressed doubts over wicketkeeper-batter Prithvi Shaw’s absence from the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playing XI, saying that it “doesn’t make sense” to have him in the starting lineup. Moody recommended that DC give Shaw further thought before their next tournament matchups.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Moody emphasised Shaw’s background in international cricket while underscoring that, despite his recent underwhelming IPL performances, his presence in the dugout doesn’t help the team win.

Because you have an Indian international player (Prithvi Shaw) in the dugout, that doesn’t make sense. You can’t score runs from the bench, Moody said. “No, he hasn’t played in the IPL as we had all anticipated he would.

Ricky Bhui was selected for Delhi’s first two IPL 2024 games, while Shaw was rested. Bhui, however, has not been able to take advantage of his chances so far, recording scores of 3 and 0 against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), respectively.

Despite DC holding Shaw for the IPL 2024 mini-auction, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer voiced astonishment at his prolonged exclusion from the playing XI. “Now that they have held onto him and not let him go into the auction, I’m surprised they’re not playing him,” expressed doubt about the choice made by Jaffer. He should be in good shape since he has spent most of the season playing for Mumbai. It surprises me. It is not a good idea to punish him and subsequently lose the games.”
Shaw was criticised for his lacklustre IPL 2023 efforts, as he amassed only 106 runs at an average of 13.25 from eight innings.

Ricky Bhui’s cheap duck in Thursday’s match against Rajasthan brought attention to the difficulties experienced by local players in the IPL. Bhui’s ejection was due to a well-directed bouncer by Nandre Burger.

In response to the dismissal, Moody emphasised the stark contrast between the level of play in local cricket competitions like the Ranji Trophy and the international and IPL levels of intensity. “You want to see a true fast bowler do just that. It is much more concerning when it is done to a top-order player. Additionally, it draws attention to the difference between Ranji Trophy runs and those of international cricket and the IPL, said Moody.

When the Delhi Capitals, captained by Rishabh Pant, take on the defending champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, they’ll be looking to win their first IPL 2024 game.