Prithvi Shaw will make a strong comeback after eight-month doping suspension, says Santosh Pingutkar, his childhood coach. The BCCI on Tuesday imposed the ban on 19-year-old opener from all forms of cricket after failing a doping test.

A release from the Board said Shaw had “inadvertently ingested a prohibited substance, which can be commonly found in cough syrups”.

He childhood coach called it a setback. “He (Prithvi) is a fighter and will definitely come out of it. He has worked hard (to reach the top),” said Pingutkar, who first imparted lessons to a young Shaw.

It was under Pingutkar coaching which made Shaw learn the basics of the game. Shaw later went on to lead the U-19 World Cup triumph and also made a ton on Test debut. It was Shaw’s father, who took him to the coach. 

“Definitely the setback is huge, but I have the confidence that he (Shaw) will come out of it,” added Pingutkar. Shaw faced a retrospective suspension, starting from March 16 ending on November 15, and the same rules him out of India’s home series against South Africa and Bangladesh.

Columnist, Makrand Waingankar, who played an important role in shaping today’s Shaw, said there is nothing to worry as everyone makes mistake.

“Cough syrups are dangerous. Prithvi Shaw should have known it because all players are given a list of Do’s & Don’ts by BCCI’s anti-doping committee. He will come out of it. Everyone makes a mistake. Nothing to worry,” tweeted Waingankar, who was also a cricket administrator.

Meanwhile, sources said Shaw didn’t inform anyone about the medicine he took to cure cough when he was with Mumbai team. Even Shaw accepted his fate and said suspension has shaken him.

“I accept my fate with all sincerity. While I am still nursing an injury which I suffered during my last tournament, this news has really shaken me,” Shaw had said in a statement.

“Cricket is my life and there is no bigger pride for me than playing for India and Mumbai and I will come out of this faster and stronger,” he stated.

(With Inputs from PTI)