Earlier this month, BCCI announced Team India’s 16-member squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa at home.

With senior players already in Australia for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the selectors picked quite a few in the ODI squad, including Rajat Patidar and Rahul Tripathi.

However, Prithvi Shaw's name didn’t feature in the list which also included the likes of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar.

Shaw, 22, last played for India during the white-ball tour to Sri Lanka in 2021. Despite scoring truckloads of runs in domestic cricket, the right-hander is failing to make a cut even in India’s second-string side lately.

Amid his snub, Prithvi Shaw on Friday (October 7) expressed disappointment in an exclusive interview with Mid-Day.

See Also: Prithvi Shaw's cryptic post goes viral after his snub for South Africa ODIs

“I was disappointed. I am scoring runs, doing a lot of hard work, but not getting a chance,” Shaw said.

“But, it’s alright. When they (national selectors) feel I am ready, they will play me. Whatever opportunities I get, whether it is for India ‘A’ or other teams, I will make sure I do my best and keep my fitness levels up to the mark.”

Shaw’s often receives criticism over his poor fitness. However, the 22-year-old revealed that he has reduced 7-8kg weight since the IPL 2022 and is not consuming Chinese food anymore.

“I did not work on different things in my batting, but did a lot of fitness work. I worked on weight-loss and reduced by seven to eight kgs after the last IPL. I spent a lot of time in the gym, did a lot of running, didn’t consume any sweets and cold drinks. Chinese food is totally out of my menu now,” he said.

The Mumbai lad is now gearing up for the domestic T20 tournament – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“We played a few practice games here [in Ahmedabad]. All players are in good shape. We have good all-rounders, batsmen and bowlers. I believe it’s a very strong team. All the support staff members are working hard on our preparation and I am optimistic of doing well as a team. All the players in this team are established somewhere, played a good level and are experienced,” Shaw added.

(Mid-Day inputs)