Prithvi Shaw silences critics in only his second Ranji Trophy match for Maharashtra

Prithvi Shaw has scored his first Ranji Trophy century for Maharashtra in his second match for the team. Playing against Chandigarh at the Cricket Stadium, Sector-16, Shaw reached the milestone in just 72 balls.After scoring only eight runs in the first innings, Shaw showcased his batting prowess when Maharashtra had gained a 104-run first-innings lead. On the third day morning, he raced to his century with 13 fours, making it the sixth-fastest hundred in Ranji Trophy history.Shaw's return to form comes after a disappointing start to his Ranji Trophy campaign last week. He was dismissed for zero against Kerala but recovered with a half-century to help Maharashtra secure the innings lead.

This century breaks his 20-month drought, with his last century coming for Mumbai in February 2024.Shaw's previous season was challenging as he faced exclusion from the Mumbai team due to fitness and disciplinary concerns. He is now working to revitalize his cricket career at the highest level.Shaw received permission to transfer teams from Mumbai in June 2024."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," Shaw stated.Shaw, once considered one of cricket's most promising young talents, has represented India in five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I. His last international appearance was in July 2021. He maintained strong performances in domestic cricket for two years before experiencing a decline last season.In his first-class career, Shaw has accumulated 4556 runs in 58 matches at an average of 46.02. His record includes 13 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a highest score of 379. His List-A statistics show 3399 runs at an average of 55.72 and a strike rate of 125.74. In T20 cricket, he has scored 2902 runs at a strike rate of 151.54 and an average of 25.01.Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He led the Indian team to victory in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, where current Test captain Shubman Gill was named player of the tournament.The fastest century in Ranji Trophy history belongs to Rishabh Pant, who achieved it in 48 balls during the 2016/17 season. The complete list of fastest centuries includes Riyan Parag and RK Borah (56 balls), S Reuben Paul (60 balls), Rajat Patidar (68 balls), and Naman Ojha (69 balls). Shaw's 72-ball century shares the seventh position with Eklavya Dwivedi, while Rishabh Pant also holds the ninth position with an 82-ball hundred.