After being ignored for India’s upcoming tour of Australia, Prithvi Shaw has answered in the best way possible — with his bat. The Maharashtra batter made headlines by scoring a brilliant century against his former team Mumbai during Day 1 of a three-day practice match at the MCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune.
The 25-year-old opener, who switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season, smashed an unbeaten 100 off 140 balls, sending a strong message to the BCCI selectors about his form and intent. Shaw, who has been out of the national team setup since 2021, showcased patience and maturity in his innings while opening with Arshin Kulkarni, who played a fiery knock of 186 off 140 deliveries.
Shaw began his innings cautiously, respecting the new ball and taking his time to settle in. However, once he got into rhythm, he played strokes all around the park with his trademark timing and precision. His century came off 140 balls, a mix of calculated aggression and solid defense — the kind of innings that once made him India’s most exciting young prospect.
Partnering with Arshin Kulkarni, Shaw helped Maharashtra pile up a mammoth 305-run stand for the opening wicket in just 49.4 overs. The pair completely dominated the Mumbai attack, proving that Shaw’s hunger and form are far from fading despite repeated selection snubs.
Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the India squad for the Australia tour raised several eyebrows among fans and former cricketers. Many believed that his explosive batting could have strengthened India’s top order, especially in white-ball cricket. Instead, the selectors opted for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma as the young faces in the squad.
By scoring a century against his own former team, Shaw seems to have delivered his response silently but powerfully — “form is temporary, class is permanent.” His innings has once again fueled the debate about whether the BCCI should reconsider his inclusion in the national setup, especially ahead of future tours and the domestic season.
Once regarded as the “next Virender Sehwag,” Prithvi Shaw’s journey has been full of highs and lows. From captaining India to victory in the 2018 U-19 World Cup to scoring a century on his Test debut against West Indies, Shaw’s career began with immense promise. However, inconsistent form, injuries, and off-field controversies led to his exclusion from the national side.
In 2025, Shaw made a bold move — leaving Mumbai and joining Maharashtra. The switch seems to have revitalized his game and mindset. With players like Jalaj Saxena joining the team, Maharashtra has built a strong domestic unit this season.
Prithvi Shaw’s century against Mumbai wasn’t just another domestic knock — it was a statement. A message to selectors that talent, when backed with consistency and composure, can’t be ignored for long. While India’s squads for the Australia tour look strong on paper, Shaw’s performance reminds everyone that competition for spots is heating up, and the hunger among India’s domestic stars is alive and well.
Also Read: India vs Australia ODI: Probable Squad Revealed | Will Hardik Pandya Miss Out?
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