Maharashtra’s chief selector, Akshay Darekar, has backed Prithvi Shaw to make a strong comeback, saying the opener is committed to turning things around.
After a turbulent 2024 season, Shaw has found his rhythm in his debut stint for Maharashtra in the ongoing Buchi Babu Trophy 2025, scoring a century and a half-century in just two games.
In his debut match against Chhattisgarh in Chennai, the 25-year-old smashed an impressive 111 off 141 balls. He followed it up with 66 runs off 96 balls against TNCA President XI, showing consistency and intent.
Speaking to Mid-way, Darekar highlighted Shaw’s improvement in both batting and fitness as he eyes a national team return.
“Prithvi is on the right track,” Darekar said. “There was never an issue with his batting. He is focused and keen to make a statement with his bat. He is completely committed to his fitness too and has been doing his training drills religiously.”
Darekar praised Shaw’s aggressive approach and expressed confidence that the opener can lead Maharashtra’s batting charge in the domestic season.
“We know he always likes to play aggressively and dominate the opposition. And he batted the same way in his first two matches for Maharashtra at the Buchi Babu Tournament. His class was evident in both those knocks. He is hungry to score big runs. The target is to help Maharashtra reach the Ranji knockouts through his strong performances,” he added.
Shaw previously represented Mumbai in domestic cricket, where he was part of the side that won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2024. However, his fitness had come under scrutiny, with Mumbai skipper Shreyas Iyer openly criticizing him last season.
From 2017 to 2024, Shaw scored 2648 runs in 56 first-class innings for Mumbai at an average of 49.03, including seven centuries and 10 fifties.
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