Prithvi Shaw Smashes Record 222 for Maharashtra, Shares Player of the Match with Ruturaj Gaikwad: Out-of-favor India opener Prithvi Shaw has kicked off his new domestic season with a bang for Maharashtra. Earlier this week, Shaw hammered a stunning 222-run knock that powered his team to their first win of the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season, beating Chandigarh by 144 runs.
Interestingly, despite his breathtaking double century, Prithvi Shaw didn’t bag the Player of the Match award. The honor went to Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. But in a heartwarming gesture, Gaikwad decided to share the award with Shaw, acknowledging his incredible innings.
Prithvi Shaw’s Fiery Double Century Lights Up Chandigarh
After being dismissed for just eight runs in the first innings at the Sector 16 Stadium in Chandigarh, Prithvi Shaw came back with a vengeance. He smashed his maiden Ranji Trophy hundred for Maharashtra in just 72 balls and then turned it into a massive double century in the next 69 deliveries.
He reached 200 off only 141 balls, becoming the third-fastest Indian to reach the milestone. The only players ahead of him are former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who did it in 123 balls against Baroda in 1985, and Tanmay Agarwal, who reached the mark in 119 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in 2024.
Shaw stayed unbeaten on 222 off 156 balls as Maharashtra declared their second innings, setting Chandigarh a huge 464-run target. In response, Chandigarh was bowled out for 319, with Mukesh Choudhary and Ramakrishna Ghosh taking four wickets each to seal the victory.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad Shares His Award with Shaw
Even with Prithvi Shaw’s dominant knock, the Player of the Match went to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for his 116 off 163 in the first innings. But showing true team spirit, Ruturaj Gaikwad invited Shaw on stage during the post-match presentation and shared the award with him.
Strong Start to Life with Maharashtra
Prithvi Shaw has been in fine touch since joining Maharashtra earlier this year. He first represented them in the Buchi Babu tournament, scoring 178 runs in three innings, which included a century and a fifty. He followed that up with 181 runs against his former team, Mumbai, in a Ranji Trophy warm-up match in Pune.
In his first Ranji game for Maharashtra, Prithvi Shaw was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but made up for it with a fifty in the second. His recent double century only strengthens his case for a national comeback.
The 25-year-old switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra after securing a No-Objection Certificate. Explaining the move, he said, “At this stage of my career, I believe joining the Maharashtra team will help me grow further as a cricketer. I am deeply grateful to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the opportunities and support I have received over the years.”
Next Stop: Saurashtra in Nasik
After their confidence-boosting win, Maharashtra will now face Saurashtra in their next Ranji Trophy clash in Nasik on November 1. With Shaw and Gaikwad in top form, the team will be looking to carry their momentum forward.
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