'Can't score runs from the dugout': Tom Moody slams Delhi Capitals's selection mistake

NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has questioned the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Prithvi Shaw from the Delhi Capitals' (DC) playing XI for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, asserting that it "doesn't make sense" to leave out the talented 24-year-old. Moody suggested that DC should reconsider Shaw for their upcoming matches in the tournament.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Moody highlighted Shaw's international cricket experience, emphasizing that despite his recent lacklustre IPL performances, his presence in the dugout doesn't contribute to the team's success."It doesn't make sense due to the fact that you've got an Indian international player (Prithvi Shaw) in the dugout. Yes, he hasn't performed in the IPL like we had all hoped he would, but you can't score runs from the dugout," Moody remarked.

Shaw was sidelined for Delhi's initial two games in IPL 2024, with Ricky Bhui given the nod instead. However, Bhui has failed to capitalize on his opportunities so far, managing scores of 3 and 0 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), respectively.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer expressed surprise at Shaw's continued omission from the playing XI despite DC retaining him for the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Jaffer questioned the decision, stating, "Now that they have held onto him and not let him go into the auction, I'm surprised they're not playing him. He's played for Mumbai for most of the season, so you'd imagine that he's fit. I'm surprised. Punishing him and then losing the games is not the way to go forward."
Shaw faced criticism for his underwhelming performances in IPL 2023, where he managed just 106 runs from eight innings at an average of 13.25.
In Thursday's match against Rajasthan, Ricky Bhui fell cheaply for a duck, highlighting the challenges faced by domestic players in the IPL. Nandre Burger's well-directed bouncer accounted for Bhui's dismissal.

Commenting on the dismissal, Moody underscored the significant gap between performances in domestic cricket, such as the Ranji Trophy, and the intensity of international cricket and IPL. "That's exactly what you'd like to see a genuine quick bowler do. And to do it to a top-order player is even more alarming. What it does also is highlight the jump between Ranji Trophy runs to international cricket and IPL," Moody added.
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The Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals will be eager to secure their first win in IPL 2024 as they face reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.
(Inputs from ANI)