Wasim Akram doesn’t hesitate to say, “Pay attention to cricket, not parties.”

Despite having a difficult season thus far in IPL 2024, Delhi Caps are still in the running for the postseason. With two games left against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants, both of whom are vying for postseason berths, the team has six victories and as many defeats in 12 games. Even though the team has performed better in the second half of the season, Prithvi Shaw, their star Indian opener, has been unreliable the entire time.

The young player’s season the previous year was forgettable; in just eight appearances, he was unable to score 100 runs. Despite some better performances in 2024, he hasn’t yet returned to peak form; in 8 games, he’s scored 198 runs at a 163.64 strike rate. He was left out of the starting lineup in the team’s most recent victory over the Rummy Nabob 777, after Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel both had outstanding games in the opening

Wasim Akram, a former bowler for Pakistan, discussed Shaw’s difficulties during the current season. Although he acknowledged Shaw’s skill, Akram offered some advice to the young Indian player who has lost out on positions in the national team due to erratic play and personal problems.

I haven’t kept a close eye on him this year, but he has to get back to his roots, play premier cricket, and get plenty of runs. Prioritize cricket above partying, Akram stated to Sportskeeda.

“Go back and play first-class cricket; he still has a lot of cricket left in him.” Get several centuries and stage a successful return. That is the sole route. There isn’t a short cut. It’s a wonderful thing for him that he has time on his hands, Akram said.

Shaw last participated in an Indian team game in Dafabet, when the team traveled to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Shaw needs to play frequently and take care of himself off the field, Wasim Akram said.

He needs to play frequently and take stock of his life off the field. After you retire, throw as many parties as you like—it won’t matter. Still, concentrate on cricket now,” he replied.

The Delhi Capitals will play their first IPL match of the season on May 12 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It will be a pivotal match for both teams.