Former international and talented dynamic top-order batter Prithvi Shaw who parted ways with Mumbai after a lean patch, has motored across the expressway to join Maharashtra at its Pune base for the upcoming Ranji season.
Shaw is looking to resurrect a proverbial second innings, joining Maharashtra from this domestic season. The Maharashtra Cricket Association called it a strategic shift seen as a significant development in Indian domestic cricket, strengthening the Maharashtra team further.
Having represented India across three formats, Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Shaw also turned out for Delhi lady in the IPL. Despite his aggressive batting and match-winning capabilities, Shaw had seen a steady diminishing of runs and will look to roar back into form, that held plenty of promise when he returned as captain of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2018. However persistent technical glitches in his batting and fitness concerns Shaw him plateau in performance. Shaw will look to bulge his 13 first class centuries count and add to the amassed mountain of 4500 runs so far in his career.
The MCA press release quoted Shaw as saying, “At this stage of my career, I believe joining the Maharashtra team will help me grow further as a cricketer. I am deeply grateful to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the opportunities and support I have received over the years. Maharashtra Cricket Association has made remarkable efforts in recent years to enhance cricketing infrastructure across the state. Initiatives like the Maharashtra Premier League, Women’s MPL, Corporate Shield, and D.B. Deodhar Tournament are testament to their vision. I’m confident that being part of such a progressive setup will positively impact my journey as a cricketer.”
At Maharashtra, always innthe shadow of Mumbai, he will play alongside several known names. “I’m happy to get the opportunity to play alongside talented players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Mukesh Choudhary in the Maharashtra team,” he said.
MCA President Rohit Pawar said his experience could prove valuable. “We are delighted to welcome a player of Prithvi Shaw’s calibre to the Maharashtra team. His inclusion adds tremendous strength to an already talented squad comprising experienced players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Mukesh Choudhary, and Rajneesh Gurbani. Shaw’s international and IPL experience will be invaluable, especially for mentoring younger players in the squad. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the MCA Apex Council and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for supporting this decision. Maharashtra Cricket Association stands firmly behind Prithvi in his new journey, and we wish him the very best for the seasons ahead.”
