Is Prithvi Shaw Ready to Make an Impact for Maharashtra?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prithvi Shaw leaves Mumbai after obtaining a no objection certificate.
- He will join the Maharashtra team for the 2025/26 domestic season.
- Shaw aims to enhance his cricketing career in a progressive environment.
- His experience from the IPL and international cricket is expected to add value to the team.
- The Maharashtra Cricket Association is committed to improving cricketing infrastructure.
Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) After departing from Mumbai and receiving a no objection certificate (NOC), right-handed opener Prithvi Shaw is primed to represent Maharashtra in the forthcoming 2025/26 domestic season.
In his NOC correspondence to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Shaw expressed that he had been ‘presented with a promising opportunity to play professional cricket under another state association’ for the upcoming season, which he confirmed to be Maharashtra.
“At this juncture of my career, I believe that joining the Maharashtra team will facilitate my growth as a cricketer. I sincerely appreciate the Mumbai Cricket Association for the support and opportunities I have received throughout the years. The Maharashtra Cricket Association has made significant strides recently to improve cricketing infrastructure statewide,” Shaw stated.
“Initiatives like the Maharashtra Premier League, Women’s MPL, Corporate Shield, and D.B. Deodhar Tournament reflect their vision. I am confident that being part of such a progressive setup will positively influence my career as a cricketer. I am thrilled to play alongside talented players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Mukesh Choudhary in the Maharashtra team,” he added.
Shaw has represented India in five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I, with highlights including captaining the team to victory in the 2018 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and scoring a century on his Test debut against the West Indies at Rajkot.
However, his declining batting form and fitness concerns have garnered significant attention in recent months. Shaw was excluded from the Mumbai squad during the first leg of last year’s Ranji Trophy in October due to form and fitness issues.
He made a comeback during their victorious 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, where he scored 197 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 156.34. Nonetheless, after that, Shaw, 25, was not selected for Mumbai’s lineup for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT).
Shaw has participated in 32 first-class matches for Mumbai, accumulating 2,648 runs at an average of 49.03, which includes seven centuries and ten half-centuries. He has also played in 29 List A games for Mumbai, scoring 3,399 runs, featuring ten centuries and 14 fifties at an average of 55.72.
In the context of the IPL, Shaw was released by Delhi Capitals (DC) at the end of the 2024 season and went unsold in the mega auction for the 2025 edition. No team showed interest in him as a replacement player during this year's tournament.
Shaw is now anticipated to participate in the ongoing D.B. Deodhar Tournament, an elite intra-state competition organized by the Maharashtra Cricket Association, which also serves as a platform for selecting players for the upcoming senior men’s tournaments in the domestic season.
“We are excited to welcome a player of Prithvi Shaw’s caliber to the Maharashtra team. His addition significantly strengthens an already skilled squad featuring experienced players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Mukesh Choudhary, and Rajneesh Gurbani,” said Rohit Pawar, MCA President.
“Shaw’s international and IPL experience will be invaluable, especially for mentoring younger players in the squad. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the MCA Apex Council and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for supporting this decision. The Maharashtra Cricket Association stands firmly behind Prithvi in his new journey, and we wish him the best for the upcoming seasons,” he added.