Mumbai ex-chief selector Milind Rege has a special advice for young sensation Prithvi Shaw

India’s U19 captain, Prithvi Shaw is constantly making the headlines with his stellar performances. He was one of the top performers in the U19 World Cup earlier this year and played a crucial role in India’s triumph. Furthermore, Shaw was picked in the IPL auction this year by the Delhi Daredevils. The U19 captain has featured in nine first-class games thus far and already has five centuries to his name.

Prithvi Shaw is set to feature in the Mumbai Cricket Association’s(MCA) T20 Mumbai League (TTML) soon. The league begins from 11 March and will be played till 21 March. Given that this could be a great preparation for the IPL, Shaw might be tempted to play in the league. However, there is catch here that puts Shaw in a spot of bother.

Prithvi Shaw to make a tough choice

While Shaw will want to play the inaugural gig of the TTML, the chances of him being there are getting bleaker by the day. This is because Shaw might be picked in the Irani Trophy this year following up his impressive performances. The Irani Cup will be played from 14 March to 18 March where the Rest of India will take on champions Vidarbha at Nagpur. Since the event clashes with the Irani Cup, Shaw will now have to make a tough choice.

To help Prithvi Shaw clear the clutter, the Mumbai Cricket Association’s ex-chief selector Milind Rege came up with a special advice for him. Rege was also captained Mumbai previously said that Shaw’s first preference should always be India. “You will have to play the Irani Cup – your first preference is always India, then state and then the club,” he said. Moreover, it was Rege’s selection committee which picked Shaw for the Ranji Trophy last year.

Former cricketers have their say

“If there is a BCCI tournament, then the first priority will have to be that. The T20 Mumbai League is a very good tournament, but there is no other alternative but to play the Irani Cup,” Rege added. Mumbai’s coach Sameer Dighe echoed the same feelings and highlighted the importance of playing five-day cricket. “Playing the Irani Cup is something special rather than playing Twenty20 [cricket],” said Dighe. The former India stumper felt the Irani Cup would be a great opportunity for Shaw.

Former cricketer Pravin Amre also opined the same. “The Irani Cup is huge because it’s a clash between the Ranji Trophy winner and the cream of Indian cricket. So he (Shaw) should play the Irani Cup game,” remarked Amre. The former India all-rounder, who is also MCA’s Cricket Improvement Committee chief said that they had no other option because of tight schedules this year. However, reports suggest that the MCA might request BCCI to release Shaw for the TTML.