Prithvi Pankaj Shaw, born on 9th November 1999, is a name that resonates with the fervent cricketing spirit of India. This young cricketer has not only represented the Indian cricket team in all formats but has also earned accolades and admiration for his exceptional batting prowess. Hailing from Mumbai and donning the jersey of the Delhi Capitals in domestic cricket, Shaw’s journey in the world of cricket is nothing short of inspirational.
A Phenomenal Start in International Cricket:
Prithvi Shaw made his mark in international cricket at the tender age of 18, announcing his arrival on the grand stage on 4th October 2018. In an extraordinary feat, he became the second-youngest Indian, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to score a Test century. Even more astonishing, he achieved this remarkable feat on his Test debut, etching his name in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Early Triumphs in Domestic Cricket:
Shaw’s journey to cricketing stardom began with a dazzling debut in first-class cricket. On 1st January 2017, during the semi-finals of the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, he made his first-class debut for Mumbai. Shaw’s bat spoke volumes as he scored a century in the second innings and was deservedly named the Man of the Match.
What sets Shaw apart is his consistency in debuts. Just as he had scored a century in his first Ranji Trophy match, he replicated this feat in his debut Duleep Trophy appearance. This remarkable achievement matched the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had also scored centuries in his debut matches in both the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy.
Recognition on the Global Stage:
In 2018, Prithvi Shaw’s exceptional talent caught the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which named him one of the five breakout stars in men’s cricket. This recognition highlighted his potential as a future cricketing icon.
Challenges Faced and Overcome:
Despite his early success, Prithvi Shaw faced challenges that tested his mettle. In July 2019, he was suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to a doping violation. His suspension, lasting until November of the same year, was a setback. However, Shaw’s resilience and determination saw him bounce back stronger, ready to face new challenges.
Personal Journey and Sacrifices:
Prithvi Shaw’s journey to cricketing stardom is a testament to dedication and sacrifice. Born in Thane, Maharashtra, in 1999, his parents made the move from Gaya in Bihar as economic migrants. In 2001, a contract offer from AAP Entertainment changed the course of his life, allowing him and his father to move to Mumbai, where he could continue his cricketing education. Additionally, Shaw received sponsorship from Indian Oil, enabling him to pursue his dreams further.
Shaw’s commitment to the game led him to England, where he honed his cricketing skills. He embraced every opportunity to improve, including his time at the Julian Wood Cricket Academy in England.
The Nightclub Incident:
In February 2023, Shaw found himself in a challenging situation after an altercation in a nightclub. Youtuber Sapna Gill and her male friends reportedly followed Shaw’s vehicle, vandalized it, and manhandled him. A police case was filed, and Gill was later arrested, shedding light on the unexpected challenges faced by the rising cricket star.
Dominance in Domestic Cricket:
Shaw’s performances in domestic cricket have been nothing short of outstanding. His journey started with the Middle Income Group (MIG) Cricket Club in Mumbai. He captained the Rizvi Springfield High School and the Mumbai under-16 team. Notably, in November 2013, he set a record by scoring 546 runs in a Harris Shield elite division match, making him the highest scorer in organized cricket since 1901.
Shaw continued to excel, leading the Rizvi Springfield team to victory in the prestigious Harris Shield tournament in 2012 and 2013. He also played for the Middle Income Group Cricket Club in Mumbai, sharing the field with Arjun Tendulkar, the son of the cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
International Impact and Achievements:
Prithvi Shaw’s international journey has been a rollercoaster of achievements and challenges. In August 2018, he was called up to India’s Test squad for the final two Tests against England, although he didn’t get a chance to play. In September 2018, he made his Test debut against the West Indies, scoring a magnificent century and becoming the youngest Indian to achieve this feat on debut.
In the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Shaw made his debut against New Zealand in February 2020. His inclusion in the test squad for the Australian tour in 2020 was a testament to his potential. However, he faced criticism for his performance in the first Test against Australia, leading to his omission from the next match.
The IPL Impact:
Prithvi Shaw’s IPL journey began when he was bought by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2018 IPL auction for ₹1.2 crores. In a historic moment, he became the youngest player to open the batting in IPL history at the age of 18 and 165 days. His impressive debut performance and a remarkable IPL fifty secured his place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.
Record-Breaking Feats:
Prithvi Shaw’s record-breaking innings in school cricket is legendary. In November 2013, he scored an astonishing 546 runs in a Harris Shield match, setting a record that held significance for years. Although this record was later surpassed, Shaw’s remarkable achievement remains etched in cricketing history.
Conclusion:
Prithvi Shaw’s journey from a young boy with dreams to an international cricketing sensation is a story of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering passion. His early achievements and remarkable feats in domestic and international cricket are a testament to his exceptional talent. As he continues to shine on the global stage, cricket fans eagerly await more remarkable innings and contributions from this prodigious talent.
