Nikkhil Arya On Cricketer Prithvi Shaw Being Compared To Vinod Kambli

Cricketer Vinod Kambli debuted for Team India in 1991. He played 104 ODIs and 17 Tests for his country. Once hailed as India's next batting sensation, his career remains a story of immense talent and unfulfilled potential.

When asked, Nikkhil Arya shared his views saying, "For some reason, Kambli's negative aspects have always been highlighted more than what he did for the country while he was there. He surely has made mistakes and probably rubbed people the wrong way. But currently, what's happening is that anyone and everyone is targeting his negatives, and players who haven't achieved even half of what he has achieved have started commenting on him," he says.

He adds, "After all, he has the unique distinction of having the best Test average among any batsman who has scored more than a thousand runs, besides scoring two back-to-back double centuries in Tests, which no Indian has ever done. The BCCI is the richest cricketing body in the world, so I feel it should take cognizance and do whatever it takes to improve his physical and mental health instead of displaying him at public functions in this condition, which is bad for him and his family's future. The best facilities in the world should be made available to him. Personally, in the two years of his prime, he was one of the greatest batsmen in the world. The way we are handling and publicizing this case is showing us in a bad light globally."

Talking about cricketer Prithvi Shaw, he says, "He is one of those few who, probably like Kambli, could not handle sudden stardom at an early age and has become what he has. But the comparison stops there. He still has age and immense talent on his side but comes from a completely different generation, whose requirements are different, although hard work and discipline remain common requirements. The powers that be should handle this case sensitively, stop the bad press, and resurrect his career instead of worsening it. Going unsold in the IPL even at his base price is inexplicable and bizarre, especially when many undeserving players have been bought. I hope Shaw introspects positively. But again, if not handled with care by the professionals, we, unfortunately, might have another Kambli in the making. After all, a World Cup-winning Under-19 captain deserves better."

He concludes, "But I am positive about things since we have a very powerful board, and a very influential Indian is now the head of the ICC. For the sake of sports, I hope better sense prevails..."