Shaw-stopper: Prithvi Shaw steals show with strong statement, becomes 2nd highest Ranji scorer 

Mumbai opener and Team India discard Prithvi Shaw became the second-highest run-scorer in the history of Ranji Trophy cricket.

Though the aggressive opener missed on becoming only the second Indian cricketer to score 400 in Ranji Trophy by a whisker, he ended up with 379 on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy match against Assam to sail past Sanjay Manjrekar’s score of 377.

In the process, Shaw become the second-highest run-scorer after BB Nimbalkar, who had scored 443 not out for Maharashtra against Saurashtra in the 1948-49 season.

The whirlwind battter was dismissed for a smashing 379 off just 383 balls studded with four sixes and 49 fours by Assam and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag. Shaw completed his century off 107 balls, his double ton in 235 balls and his triple ton in 326 deliveries. He had a 401-run third-wicket partnership with Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

With his marathon knock, studded with stroke plays, the flamboyant batsman made a strong statement for Team India selectors. The pint sized dynamo demonstrated that his chapter in Indian cricket is far from over. Rather, his best days could yet be in the future.

Once the new kid on the block, Shaw’s descent was as rapid as his ascent. With his aggressive approach, he was drummed up as the future of Indian cricket. But, the bright prospect soon went into oblivion due to inconsistency.

However, Shaw never lost hope. He whipped up the kind of thrilling batting against Assam that earmarked him for international success. Shaw has been driven by a fierce determination to be reconsidered for national selection. He listened to his inner voice than seek the advice of too many former players or coaches.

“I was visualizing everything myself. I watched old footage of my batting and got the fault corrected,” said Shaw.

The defiance rubbed onto his batting. Shaw’s return to form could not have been better timed. Though Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are firm favourites to open and there are fringe players like Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal as backups, all of them are injury-prone as per past record. 

Shaw has done a world of good for him to be among the runs. With his marathon knock, he could be considered in Team India ranks once again.