Prithvi Shaw Sets Ranji Trophy on Fire with Blazing 222 off 156 Balls

Out-of-favour India opener Prithvi Shaw made a spectacular comeback statement with a scintillating double century for Maharashtra against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy on Monday. In just his second match for his new team, Shaw smashed an unbeaten 222 off 156 balls, registering the second-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history and the fastest in the Elite Group since Ravi Shastri's legendary 123-ball effort in 1985.

A Record-Breaking Knock

After a disappointing eight-run dismissal in the first innings, Shaw exploded in the second, reaching his century in just 72 balls—the joint sixth-fastest hundred in Ranji Trophy history. He then accelerated further, bringing up his double century in 141 balls, overtaking Rahul Singh's 143-ball record from last season. Only Shastri (123 balls) and Hyderabad's Tanmay Agarwal (119 balls in 2024) have reached the milestone faster.

Shaw's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring 29 boundaries and five towering sixes. His strike rate of 142.31 was reminiscent of his fearless approach that once made him one of India's brightest young talents. By the time Maharashtra captain Ankit Bawne declared at 359/3, Shaw had set Chandigarh an imposing 464-run target.

Redemption After Turbulent Times

This knock marks Shaw's first century in over 20 months—a period marred by controversies, fitness concerns, and his eventual exit from the Mumbai Cricket Association. After being unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction and losing his place in both domestic and international setups, the 25-year-old's move to Maharashtra was seen as a fresh start.

He began his Maharashtra journey with a duck against Kerala in the opening round but quickly bounced back with a 75 in the second innings. Against Chandigarh, he showed exactly why he was once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket.

Eyes on a Comeback

Speaking after his knock, Shaw said: "It feels really nice to contribute to the team, and this one's special because it's for Maharashtra, for believing in me and backing me all the way. Obviously, this knock will boost my confidence, and I hope to carry this form forward in the coming games."

With 4,631 runs in 59 first-class matches at an average of 45.85, including 13 centuries, Shaw's domestic record has never been in doubt. The question now is whether this explosive innings will reignite conversations about his return to the national team and the IPL.

For a player who captained India to the Under-19 World Cup in 2018, the road back won't be easy—but Monday's double century has reminded everyone that Prithvi Shaw, when in form, is a force of nature.