Don't compare Prithvi with Sehwag: Gautam Gambhir

Mumbai: Prithvi Shaw, who slammed a stroke-filled hundred on his Test debut, has drawn comparisons with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. But former India opener Gautam Gambhir says one needs to think twice before comparing the young Mumbai batsman with Sehwag.

“He has just started his career and there is a long way to go. I have never believed in comparisons. He has his individuality and Sehwag has his own. He has just played one match and Sehwag has played around 100 Tests,” said Gambhir.

Gambhir said Prithvi would face sterner test in future. “Prithvi’s very talented and that’s why he is there in the team. He has started off his test career on a very good note but there will be far bigger and far difficult challenges waiting for him,” said Gambhir.

India will travel to Australia end of this year for four Tests, three ODIs and as many T20s. Gambhir said the performance of openers is crucial for success Down Under.

“It is important for openers to succeed in Australia because that is the department where India struggled during the England tour. There were not enough opening partnerships. If you want to succeed overseas, you need a good platform,” said Gambhir.

“It is got to be a challenge (in Australia). We talk about the batting because they don’t have Smith and Warner but they still have formidable batting in their backyard. They have really exciting players like Shaun Marsh or Aaron Finch. Plus they have the bowling attack to hurt any opposition. They have the best off-spinner in the world right now. It will not be a cakewalk. Playing Australia in Australia will be a threat,” he added.

The veteran left-hander said India should reach Australia early in order to get acclimatise to the conditions.  “England manage to win in Australia because they went one month early. They played three or four warm-up matches. If you are going overseas, your bowlers should have bowled 80 or 100 overs so your body gets used to it. If you go to Australia and playing against Mitchell Stark and Pat Cummins, you have to be ready,” he added.