Prithvi Shaw eyeing comeback ahead of IPL 2019, says he is working hard to reach full fitness

Prithvi Shaw, who suffered an ankle injury in Australia before the start of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19, will make his return to competitive cricket in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 19-year-old cricketer from Mumbai said that he is trying hard to regain full fitness. In an interview with India TV, he said, "I will be fit before the Indian Premier League and I am trying hard to reach full fitness. I am working on my ankle as well as on my upper body."

File picture of Prithvi Shaw. Reuters

Shaw was fielding at deep mid-wicket in a warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI when after completing a catch, he twisted his ankle. He was then ruled out of the first Test. Shaw could not even play the second Test and was expected to be back for Boxing Day at MCG. However, despite the several efforts by physio and support staff, Shaw could not come back to match fitness levels.

He said, “I was trying hard to play in the second Test and the physios too were trying to get me fit for the match. However, the more they tried, the swelling increased and it got more painful. So, I thought even if I play, I will not be able to give my 100 percent because it was not easy to play with that pain."

IPL 2019 will begin on 23 March.