Prithvi Shaw auditions for India comeback, smashes 200 at 140+ strike rate

Indian batter Prithvi Shaw smashed a quickfire double century for Maharashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season. Playing against Chandigarh at the Sector 16 Stadium, Shaw reached the 200-run mark in just 141 balls, the third-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history. His knock, laced with 28 fours and three sixes, has once again brought his name into the conversation for a national comeback.
 
After years of ups and downs with the Mumbai Cricket Association, Shaw decided to begin a new stint with Maharashtra this season. The change came after a rough 2024–25 campaign involving criticism over his fitness and form. Granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) earlier this year, Shaw joined Maharashtra and made his debut for Maharashtra against Kerala began on a poor note, where he was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first innings. However, he bounced back strongly with a 75 in the second. Against Chandigarh, he made history and also sent a message to the national selectors. 

Shaw hits maiden century for Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy

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Shaw hits maiden century for Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy

Shaw's innings creates history

Shaw’s 222 off 156 balls in Maharashtra’s second innings helped the team declare at 359/3. He reached his hundred in just 72 balls, the joint sixth-fastest in Ranji Trophy history, before accelerating to his double ton at a strike rate exceeding 140. Only Tanmay Agarwal (119 balls) and Ravi Shastri (123 balls) have achieved faster double centuries in the tournament’s history. This innings also stands as the second-fastest double century in the Elite Group stage of the Ranji Trophy.

The cricketer burst onto the scene in 2018 with a Test century on debut but soon found himself sidelined due to inconsistent performances, injuries, and off-field controversies. Incidents such as his recent spat with former Mumbai teammates had once again raised questions over his temperament. However, this innings has triggered discussions for his much-awaited national comeback.