KOLKATA — The iconic gates of Eden Gardens witnessed a reminder of why Prithvi Shaw was once considered the brightest spark in Indian cricket. In a dominant display of controlled aggression, the Maharashtra opener powered his side to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bengal in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘C’ encounter on Thursday, effectively silencing critics who had begun to question his consistency.
Shaw, who has navigated a turbulent few years of form and fitness, looked entirely at ease on the pristine Kolkata surface. His unbeaten 53 off just 50 deliveries was a masterclass in clean striking, punctuated by four boundaries and four soaring sixes. More importantly, it was a display of maturity, a trait the 26-year-old insists is the new cornerstone of his approach to the game.
## Embracing the Power of ‘Now’
In a candid post-match interaction, the explosive right-hander opened up about the mental shift that has seen him move away from the crushing pressure of future expectations. Having once been the talk of the town as a prodigy, Shaw is now operating with a simplified philosophy: one day at a time.
“What I have learnt from experience is that I should not think so much ahead,” Shaw admitted. “Like I am giving an interview now. After this, I will go to the room and then think about what to do. I don’t think more than that. Just keep winning games. Have good training. Eat well.”
It is a grounded perspective for a player who, five years removed from his last international appearance, is constantly under the microscope of selectors and pundits. When asked about a potential return to the Indian national side, Shaw acknowledged the desire remained, but refused to let it cloud his immediate focus. “There is always that thought at the back of the mind. But now, I do not think so much ahead,” he noted.
## Consistency and the Quest for Big Runs
The road back to the national squad is paved with consistency, a quality that has been elusive for Shaw during the current Ranji season. While he has managed two half-centuries in seven innings, his output has been marred by bouts of feast-or-famine performances. Following a promising 70-run knock against Delhi in the tournament opener, he endured a lean patch with scores of 7, 21, 0, 17, and 12.
Despite the fluctuations, the former U-19 World Cup-winning captain remains unfazed, projecting an air of confidence that he is merely one big knock away from reclaiming his dominance. “Some innings will go bad and some will go well,” Shaw said. “There is no problem with my start. Big runs are just a matter of one innings.”
## A Comfortable New Chapter
The transition from his lifelong home in Mumbai to the Maharashtra setup has clearly provided the stability Shaw craved. Moving away from the high-pressure environment of the Mumbai Cricket Association, he has found a fresh lease on life in Pune, surrounded by teammates who provide both comfort and camaraderie.
“I feel Mumbai and Pune are not too far apart. There is a difference of 1.5 to 2 hours, and I know a lot of players—Ritu (Ruturaj Gaikwad), Ankit (Bawne) here,” he explained. “I never felt that I have come far from home. I am very comfortable and have enjoyed it a lot.”
That comfort allowed him to play with the freedom necessary to take on high-caliber opposition. The match offered a litmus test in the form of Bengal’s spearhead, Mohammed Shami. Facing the seasoned pacer was a challenge Shaw embraced, demonstrating the technical acumen that made him a household name as a teenager.
“Shami Bhai is bowling as he used to. There is no change,” Shaw remarked. “He is bowling fast. It was about how to play Shami Bhai well because I feel he is the main bowler for such wickets.”
## The Path Forward
As the domestic season heats up, all eyes will remain on Shaw. The talent has never been in question; the flick of the wrists, the ability to find the fence with minimal effort, and the sheer audacity of his stroke play remain world-class. However, it is this new, disciplined version of Prithvi Shaw—the one who prioritizes the present over the pressures of the past—that might finally prove to be the key to his longevity.
For Maharashtra, the victory at Eden Gardens is a massive boost to their campaign. For Shaw, it is a foundation. If he can maintain this equilibrium, the runs—and perhaps that elusive call-up—will likely follow as a matter of course. For now, he is content in the dressing room, focused on his next meal, his next training session, and the next ball to be faced. The “vintage” Shaw is back, and he’s taking it one day at a time.
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