Prithvi Shaw displayed flashes of his classic batting prowess, but it was his fiery demeanor that grabbed attention during Maharashtra’s three-day warm-up match against his former team Mumbai, which kicked off on Tuesday, October 7.
Having recently switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra after an eight-year tenure with his hometown squad, Shaw seemed resolute to make a statement. The right-handed batsman, who has been striving to rejuvenate his career following a tumultuous period, crafted an authoritative innings of 181 runs from 219 deliveries, showcasing the effortless stroke play that once positioned him as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.
Nonetheless, the remarkable innings concluded amidst controversy. Shaw’s dismissal by Musheer Khan, one of Mumbai’s emerging talents, triggered an unexpected altercation. While attempting a slog-sweep, Shaw mistimed his shot and was caught at deep fine leg. Upon his departure, tensions escalated between him and Musheer, resulting in a heated verbal exchange. The situation intensified further when Shaw seemingly hurled his bat in frustration towards his former teammates before the umpire promptly intervened to de-escalate the confrontation.
The incident drew widespread attention from fans and officials, especially given Shaw’s past with the Mumbai team. The 25-year-old opener parted ways with the side earlier in the year, opting to represent Maharashtra in pursuit of a fresh beginning after facing challenges related to discipline and form that overshadowed his considerable potential.
Shaw’s tenure with Mumbai witnessed both brilliance and controversy. Following his meteoric rise as a teenage sensation and achieving a century on his Test debut for India in 2018, his career trajectory faltered due to inconsistency and concerns regarding his fitness and focus. His exclusion from national contention post the 2020 Australia tour marked a significant decline in his career.
Nevertheless, on the field in Pune, Shaw underscored his batting prowess. Partnering with young opener Arshin Kulkarni, he forged a massive 305-run partnership for the opening wicket in just 49.4 overs. Kulkarni impressed with a rapid 186 off 140 balls, while Shaw’s innings blended aggression with composure.
As Shaw strives to reconstruct his career with Maharashtra, the innings, along with the ensuing confrontation, acts as a testament to both his exceptional talent and the unpredictability that continues to accompany his journey.