'These batters are good' - Delhi Capitals Director Sourav Ganguly backs Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan after fiasco against Lucknow Super Giants

After failing to star in Delhi Capitals' first encounter of the Indian Premier League 2023 against Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi's trusted lieutenants Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan have earned the support of team Director Sourav Ganguly. As both the batters were dismissed cheaply by England fast bowler Mark Wood, their caliber of playing against quality pace was put under the microscope for dissection. Notably, while Shaw smacked two boundaries in nine deliveries to score 12, Sarfaraz could only manage to score 4 before both the batters were sent back by Wood's thunderous display with the ball.

Mark Wood, who exhaled fire with his prowess against Delhi, first got rid of Prithvi Shaw in the opening over of his spell when Shaw failed to judge the searing pace of the ball and mistimed a drive for the ball to rattle the stumps. Sarfaraz, on the other hand, attempted a late shot to direct Wood's short-length delivery over the head of the wicketkeeper but ended up guiding it towards Krishnappa Gowtham at fine leg, who didn't miss the change to effect the fall of Delhi's third wicket.

Shielding both the players, team Director Sourav Ganguly said that both of them were good batters and credit needed to be given to Wood for his excellent game with the ball. 

"Everyone has to learn to play against fast bowling. These batters are good. Shaw has scored runs against genuine pace in the past. It was just one ball that went through him. you have got to give credit to Wood for the way he bowled. It was one of those days where they got out," said Ganguly.

After having said that fast bowling needs to be practiced against to master the style of tackling it, he also testified to his statement by citing Mitchell Marsh's example.

"Even Mitch Marsh, who has played fast bowling all his life, got out early. that happens," Ganguly was reported as saying.

'You will find out tomorrow' - Ganguly on being asked if Sarafaraz would continue as keeper throughout the season

Sarfaraz Khan, who kept wickets in Delhi's first match in the absence of regular keeper and captain Rishabh Pant, didn't have the best of times behind the stumps. He was seen missing a stumping opportunity of Nicholas Pooran who then went on to score 36 runs off 21 deliveries. Sourav Ganguly was quick to come to the rescue of the young batter as he said that it was too early to judge him, based on his performance in just one game.

"The game has changed. You look at keepers who can bat. It's an all-round position. Sarfaraz has kept wicket for Mumbai this season. At this level, obviously the pressure is different. but he has kept in just one match. You can't pass judgment on him so quickly," he further added.

When asked if he would continue keeping for Delhi Capitals, the 50-year-old replied saying "you will find out".