Prithvi Shaw is determined to make a resounding comeback to Indian cricket, sending a clear message to the BCCI and selector Ajit Agarkar with his recent performances. After a series of setbacks, the once-prodigious batsman is showcasing glimpses of his former brilliance, demonstrating that his "batting was never an issue".
Shaw's career trajectory has been a rollercoaster. After winning the Under-19 World Cup and scoring a century on his Test debut for India, he faced a slump in form, fitness concerns, and disciplinary issues. This led to him being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji squad and going unsold in the 2025 IPL auction. Determined to revive his career, Shaw made a significant move to Maharashtra, seeking a fresh start.
His comeback has been marked by impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025 in Chennai. Shaw announced his arrival in Maharashtra with a resilient century against Chhattisgarh, scoring 111 runs off 141 deliveries. This innings stabilized the team after a top-order collapse, showcasing his return to form after a challenging period. He followed it up with a solid half-century against TNCA President's XI, scoring 66 runs off 96 balls. These performances suggest he is finding his rhythm ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season.
Maharashtra's chief selector, Akshay Darekar, believes Shaw is on the right track. He emphasized that Shaw's batting was never the problem, and he is now focused and keen to make a statement with his bat. Darekar also noted Shaw's commitment to his fitness, highlighting that he has been religiously following his training drills. Shaw himself has acknowledged his past struggles with fitness and discipline, admitting to making mistakes and choosing the wrong company. However, he has promised to get back into the same shape he was in 2018, sparking hope for a comeback. To achieve this, Shaw has been working with a personal trainer and dietician for the past few months, which he believes has changed him physically and mentally.
Shaw is determined to put in the hard yards and let his bat do the talking. He stated that he doesn't want anyone's sympathy and is ready to start from scratch. He is focused on going back to basics, doing the things he used to do in his Under-19 days, which helped him break into the Indian team. This includes practicing more, hitting the gym, and running. He is also consciously avoiding distractions, particularly social media, which he believes can be quite detrimental.
While Shaw has a long way to go, his recent performances have been promising. He recognizes the importance of consistency and aims to maintain his form throughout the upcoming domestic season. For Shaw, this season is more than just another competition; it's a chance to revive his career and prove that he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He is drawing inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar's advice to not give up, reminding himself that he still has many years of cricket left in him. By focusing on his fitness, discipline, and batting, Shaw is determined to force his way back into contention for a spot in the Indian team, putting the BCCI and Ajit Agarkar on notice.
