In a recent interview, Prithvi Shaw has expressed his desire to see himself and childhood friend Arjun Tendulkar representing India, with Shaw opening the batting and Tendulkar opening the bowling. This statement comes at a time when both players are striving to make a comeback to the national team.
Shaw, who made his international debut in 2018, has faced a series of setbacks that have led to him being out of favor with the national selectors. After a promising start to his career, including a century on his Test debut, Shaw's form dipped, and he faced scrutiny for his off-field conduct and fitness. He last played for India in 2021 during a limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. In the recent past, Shaw has been candid about the "wrong decisions" he made, admitting that he became "distracted" and didn't dedicate as much time to cricket as he should have. He also acknowledged the influence of "wrong friends" during his time at the top. Shaw even went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction after being let go by Delhi Capitals.
Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, has also been working to establish himself in the cricketing world. A left-arm fast-medium bowler and lower-order batsman, Arjun has been a part of the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise since 2021 and made his debut in 2023. However, opportunities have been limited, and he has also represented Goa in domestic cricket.
Shaw's endorsement of this potential opening combination has sparked interest and discussion among cricket fans and analysts. While both players have faced challenges, their talent and potential remain undeniable. Shaw's aggressive batting style and Tendulkar's left-arm pace could provide a unique dimension to the Indian team.
However, the path to realizing this dream will require consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Shaw has acknowledged the need to return to his roots and work on his fitness and discipline. He has expressed a strong desire to win the World Cup for India, setting his sights on the upcoming ODI and T20 World Cups. Tendulkar, on the other hand, needs to gain more experience and opportunities to showcase his skills and prove his mettle.
It’s important to note that the Indian team is currently undergoing a transition phase, with Shubman Gill recently appointed as the Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will be looking to build a strong team for the future, balancing youth and experience.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, with some fresh faces and surprising recalls. While Shaw and Tendulkar were not included in this squad, their aspirations to represent India together remain a motivating factor for both players.
While there is no guarantee that Shaw's vision of opening with Arjun for India will materialize, his statement reflects his renewed determination and belief in their abilities. It also highlights the strong bond between the two childhood friends, who share a common dream of representing their country on the biggest stage. Only time will tell if this dream becomes a reality.
