Prithvi Shaw sends strong message to critics, selectors with debut ton for Maharashtra
Prithvi Shaw, playing his first competitive match for Maharashtra since leaving Mumbai, scored a superb century against Chhattisgarh in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament at Guru Nanak College on Tuesday.
For once, Prithvi Shaw finds himself in the news for all the right reasons. In the past year or so, the out-of-favour player has been in the headlines due to fitness and disciplinary issues, but it seems the change of scenery has helped him reconnect with his younger self, who gained fame at a very nascent stage due to immense talent and ability.
Shaw, playing his first competitive match for Maharashtra since leaving Mumbai ahead of this season, scored a stunning century against Chhattisgarh in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament at Guru Nanak College on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old opener, who completed his hundred off 122 deliveries, showed great maturity and discipline on a challenging surface and held firm as other batters struggled around him. Shaw reached the milestone in the 44th over of Maharashtra's innings with a boundary, and celebrated in a subdued manner before embracing his batting partner Siddharth Mhatre.
Shaw shows great discipline and maturity to revive Maharashtra's innings
Shaw hit 14 fours and a sis in his gritty knock. He led the recovery of Maharashtra, which, after getting off to a solid start of 71 without loss, slipped to 86 for 4 in quick time. Shaw showed superb application to lift his team's innings after the loss of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was dismissed for just 1.
Since bursting onto the scene in domestic cricket at a very young age and later in international cricket with a century on debut in 2018 as a teenager, Shaw has failed to live up to the expectations.
He represented India in five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I before fame and success went to his head as he lost the plot in 2021. Last year, he was axed from the Mumbai Ranji team due to fitness and disciplinary issues.
The century for Maharashtra will give a massive boost to Shaw's confidence, who, after going unsold at the IPL 2025 auction and facing questions over his form and fitness, shifted base to Maharashtra to revive his cricket career.