Prithvi Shaw Smashes Third-Fastest Double Century in Ranji Trophy History
Prithvi Shaw roared back into form in sensational fashion, hammering the third-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history on Monday. The Maharashtra opener reached his milestone off just 141 balls, marking his maiden first-class century for Maharashtra and 14th overall in his career.
Shaw’s blistering 222 — featuring 29 fours and five sixes — powered Maharashtra to an imposing declaration at 359 for 3 in their second innings against Chandigarh in the Elite Group B fixture in Chandigarh. His innings came at a scorching strike rate, helping his side score at nearly 7 runs an over.
With Chandigarh closing the day at 129 for 1, still needing 335 runs, Maharashtra have positioned themselves for a possible outright result.
Shaw’s double century sits behind only Tanmay Agarwal’s 119-ball effort for Hyderabad against Arunachal Pradesh in 2024-25 and Ravi Shastri’s 123-ball knock for Mumbai against Baroda in 1984-85. Incidentally, Shastri’s innings was also the match in which he famously struck six sixes in an over, a feat no other Indian has replicated in first-class cricket.
Revival After a Tough Season
This innings marks a strong turnaround for Shaw, who endured a difficult 2024-25 season. Dropped from the Mumbai setup due to concerns over fitness and discipline, and going unsold in the IPL mega auction last November, Shaw had been working hard to revive his career.
Speaking during the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament earlier this year, Shaw revealed the effort he had put into improving his conditioning.
“These two-three months [before the season] I had my trainer working with me,” Shaw said. “I’ve got a dietitian as well who gives me the meal plans. All this has really changed me physically and mentally. It can be seen on the field.”
Shaw’s switch to Maharashtra has also been seamless, thanks to his familiarity with several teammates, including captain Ankit Bawne, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Mukesh Choudhary.
“Half the team I already knew,” Shaw said. “They’ve been really nice and welcoming to me.”
After a modest start to the season — including a four-ball duck on debut and a fighting 75 in the second innings against Kerala — Shaw has now stamped his authority with one of the most explosive innings in recent Ranji history.
Eyes Back on National Selection?
While Shaw may not immediately re-enter the Indian selection frame, performances like these serve as a reminder of his natural talent and aggressive flair at the top. With Abhimanyu Easwaran out of favour and Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad moving to middle-order roles, Shaw’s resurgence could rekindle interest from the selectors.
The 25-year-old last represented India in July 2021, during the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, and his most recent Test appearance was the Adelaide Test in 2020.
For now, though, Shaw’s double century stands as a loud statement — one that signals the return of one of Indian cricket’s most dynamic young batters.