Dear Lykkers! Prithvi Shaw, the young and dynamic cricketer from India, has become a rising star in world cricket.
Known for his explosive batting style, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and fearlessness at the crease, Shaw has already made a name for himself despite being at the early stages of his international career.
Early Life and Rise Through the Ranks
Prithvi Shaw was born in Thane, Maharashtra, and his cricketing journey began at a very young age. His talent was evident from his school days when he made headlines for his incredible performances. At the age of 14, Shaw smashed an astounding 546 runs in a Harris Shield match, which grabbed the attention of the cricketing world. This knock set a world record for the highest individual score in school cricket at the time, highlighting his natural ability and hunger for runs.
His consistency at the junior level led to his inclusion in Mumbai's domestic team, and he made an immediate impact. Shaw's aggressive strokeplay and fearless approach to batting made him stand out, drawing comparisons to the great Sachin Tendulkar, who also hailed from Mumbai and had a similar meteoric rise.
Under-19 World Cup Glory
Prithvi Shaw's crowning moment in junior cricket came in 2018 when he led the India Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. As captain, Shaw displayed impressive leadership and batted with maturity throughout the tournament. His performances were instrumental in India's triumph, and he emerged as one of the tournament's top scorers.
Shaw's leadership qualities and ability to take responsibility in high-pressure situations further established him as a future star. His success in the Under-19 World Cup earned him a lot of praise, and it was clear that international cricket beckoned.
Test Debut and Record-Breaking Start
Prithvi Shaw made his much-anticipated Test debut for India in October 2018 against the West Indies in Rajkot, and he made an immediate impact. Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on debut, smashing a brilliant 134 off just 154 balls. This historic knock made him the talk of the cricketing world and showed that India had found a future star in the opening position.
He followed up his debut century with another dominant performance in his second Test, scoring 70 and 33 against the West Indies. His early performances in Test cricket earned him widespread acclaim, and many believed that Shaw was destined to be a long-term solution to India's opening woes in Test matches.
Prithvi Shaw Double Century! | FULL HIGHLIGHTS | 244 in 153 Balls
Video by Steelbacks TV
Injuries and Setbacks
Despite his dream start to international cricket, Shaw's career has been hampered by injuries and off-field controversies. He suffered an ankle injury during India's tour of Australia in 2018, which sidelined him for an extended period. His absence from the team due to fitness issues slowed his momentum, and other players stepped up in his place.
Comeback and IPL Success
One of Prithvi Shaw's biggest strengths is his ability to bounce back from setbacks. He returned to domestic cricket and continued to pile on runs, making a strong case for his inclusion in the national team. In the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shaw was in phenomenal form for the Delhi Capitals.
Test Cricket Return and Current Form (2024)
By 2024, Prithvi Shaw has been striving to regain his position in the Indian national team. After his brief absence, Shaw made a return to international cricket, but his performances have been inconsistent. However, his raw talent and hunger for runs keep him in the conversation for future tours. As of now, Shaw is focusing on working on his technique, particularly against swing and seam movement, to solidify his place as India's opener in all formats.
Achievements Till 2024
Youngest Indian to Score a Century on Test Debut: At 18 years and 329 days, Shaw became the youngest Indian to achieve this feat in 2018.
Under-19 World Cup-Winning Captain: Led India to a dominant victory in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup.
546-Run Knock in Harris Shield: His record-breaking score in school cricket still stands as one of the highest individual scores in the format.
IPL Success: Known for his explosive batting, particularly in powerplays, Shaw has played a crucial role for Delhi Capitals in multiple IPL seasons.
Resilient Comebacks: Despite injuries and setbacks, Shaw's determination to return to form has kept him in the cricketing spotlight.
Prithvi Shaw's journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his talent remains undeniable. As of 2024, Shaw is working towards making a consistent return to India's national team, with a focus on improving his technique and fitness. His early promise, leadership qualities, and ability to play match-winning knock at the top of the order still make him a valuable asset for Indian cricket.