IPL 2021: Here’s why Prithvi Shaw sports a different sticker on his bat

Prithvi Shaw was in jaw-dropping form when the Delhi Capitals faced the Chennai Super Kings in their first game of the 2021 IPL. At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the youngster managed a 38-ball 72 with nine fours and three sixes before getting out to Dwayne Bravo. On the back of his knock, DC chased down 189 with seven wickets in hand.

Amidst his impressed show, it was noticed that Shaw has ditched the usual MRF sticker from his bat in the ongoing tournament. Earlier, there were speculations that MRF ended their association with the youngster due to disciplinary issues. The right-hander was seen playing with the sticker of the SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) logo.

However, it’s been learnt that Shaw changed his bat’s logo after completion of his contract with MRF.

“Contracts are airtight; you can’t just walk out of a contract. Prithvi’s contract with MRF has ended,” Co-founder of Baseline Ventures, Ramakrishnan R, was quoted as saying by MoneyControl.

“Bat manufacturers have become aggressive now and are able to match commercial terms offered by an MRF or CEAT. Traditionally, they were not very aggressive or marketing-oriented. There is also an ease of procurement when you deal directly with a manufacturer, in terms of the willow and specifications a batsman might want,” he added.

Prithvi Shaw delighted to play the match-winning hand against CSK

Shaw came into the IPL 2021 on the back of scoring 827 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Prior to that, he was dropped from the Indian Test team after a couple of lacklustre outings against Australia. After the win over CSK, the youngster opened up on his action plans.

“Feeling good. Everyone contributed and it was a good start (to the season). The wicket was good to bat on in the second innings and we executed quite well. From Australia when I was dropped I was working from there itself, coming back and across early, so I practised before going to Vijay Hazare with Pravin Amre and worked on that,” Shaw had said.

Following the knock against CSK, Shaw slumped to a failure as he got out for two against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday in Mumbai. Jaydev Unadkat accounted for his wicket.