When Rishabh Pant made his Test debut for India, he was accompanied by two other cricketers who also stepped onto the international stage with high expectations: Prithvi Shaw and Shahbaz Nadeem. While Pant’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, Shaw and Nadeem’s journeys have taken a different trajectory, marked by promise, potential, and a gradual fade from the Test arena.
Here Are 2 Cricketers Who Debuted With Rishabh Pant In Test Cricket But Faded Away
Prithvi Shaw: The Prodigy’s Predicament
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the scene with a record-breaking 546 runs in a school cricket match, setting the cricketing world abuzz with his potential. His Test debut against the West Indies in 2018 was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a century that showcased his flair and audacity. However, Shaw’s career post-debut has been a tale of unfulfilled promise.
Early Promise: Shaw’s initial performances in domestic cricket and the IPL were dazzling, with centuries in debut matches and consistent high scores. His IPL performances, especially in 2021, where he was the seventh-highest run-getter, underlined his potential as an explosive opener.
Challenges and Decline: Despite these highs, Shaw’s Test career didn’t take off as expected. His technique, especially against pace, was questioned, leading to inconsistent performances. Injuries and off-field issues further hampered his progress. His last Test match was in 2020 against Australia, where he struggled, marking a decline that saw him out of the Test squad.
Recent Developments: Shaw’s form in county cricket in 2023, scoring 429 runs in four innings, including a record-breaking 244, showed he still possesses the talent. However, his return to the Indian Test setup remains uncertain, overshadowed by newer talents and his own inconsistency.
Shahbaz Nadeem: The Left-Arm Spinner’s Struggles
Shahbaz Nadeem, known for his left-arm spin, debuted in the same match as Rishabh Pant and Shaw, bringing with him the reputation of being a wicket-taker in domestic cricket. His journey, however, was marked by sporadic appearances rather than a consistent run in the team.
Domestic Dominance: Nadeem’s record in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy, was impressive, often being the go-to spinner for his team. His ability to turn the ball both ways made him a valuable asset.
International Struggles: His Test debut was promising, but the opportunities were few and far between. Nadeem’s bowling, while effective in domestic circuits, didn’t translate well into international cricket where the demands are different. His last Test was also in 2020, against New Zealand, where he didn’t get to bowl much, highlighting the challenge of breaking into a team with established spinners.
Post-Test Career: Nadeem’s career has seen him playing in domestic leagues and occasionally in the IPL, where he has shown glimpses of his skill but hasn’t managed to reclaim his spot in the Test team. His journey reflects the harsh reality of cricket where talent alone isn’t enough without consistent performance and luck.
Reflections on Their Careers:
Both Shaw and Nadeem’s careers post-debut illustrate the unpredictable nature of cricket. While Shaw’s issues were more about technique and form, Nadeem’s were about opportunity and adaptation. Their stories serve as a reminder of how quickly the cricketing landscape can change, where debut performances, no matter how promising, are just the beginning of a long, arduous journey.
The cricketing world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resurgence from these talents, but for now, their Test careers seem to have faded into the background, overshadowed by newer stars and their own inability to consistently perform at the highest level.
