In a dazzling display of power and precision, Prithvi Shaw reminded everyone why he was once hailed as India’s next big cricketing sensation. Playing for Maharashtra in only his second match of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, the former India U-19 captain etched his name into domestic cricket history by scoring the third-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history, needing just 141 balls to reach the 200-run mark against Chandigarh at Sector 16 Stadium on Monday, October 27.
The 25-year-old right-hander had already made headlines earlier in the innings by smashing a century in just 72 balls — a knock that stands as the joint sixth-fastest in Ranji Trophy history. With this performance, Shaw notched his 14th first-class century, sending a strong message to selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, that he is very much on the comeback trail.
Shaw’s journey back to prominence has been anything but smooth. Once a bright young star who made his Test debut in 2018 with a century, his career dipped following a mix of inconsistent form, fitness issues, and off-field controversies. He last played international cricket in 2021, and his IPL fortunes have also waned, going unsold in the 2025 auction.
Shifting from Mumbai — the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history — to Maharashtra at the end of last season, Shaw has been rebuilding his game. His debut for Maharashtra against Kerala had begun inauspiciously with a duck, but he made amends with a resilient 75 in the same match. Against Chandigarh, he displayed the kind of aggressive, confident batting that once made him a feared opponent at the highest level.
While the record for the fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history belongs to Tanmay Agarwal, who reached 200 in 119 balls in 2024, Shaw’s effort now places him among the elite. He joins cricketing greats like Ravi Shastri, who scored a double century off 123 balls in 1985, showcasing the rare blend of timing, power, and composure needed to dominate first-class cricket.
With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gradually stepping back from the Test arena, opportunities are opening for younger batsmen to stake their claim. Shaw, now turning 26, has the time and talent to force his way back into the Indian team — provided he maintains this kind of form.
The Ranji Trophy season has just begun, and the challenge ahead is formidable. Consistency will be key if Shaw hopes to translate these fireworks into a sustained comeback. But if Monday’s innings is any indication, Prithvi Shaw is on the right path — determined to make up for lost time and remind the cricketing world that he still has what it takes to shine on the big stage.
Discussion about this post