Cricket has a special place in the hearts of Indians, and it’s no surprise that the country keeps producing prodigious cricketing talents. One such promising young talent who has been making waves in the world of cricket is Prithvi Shaw. He’s a right-handed batsman with phenomenal talent and is one of the rising stars of Indian cricket. But like any other inspirational story, his path to glory has seen its fair share of ups and downs. So today, we’ll talk about the amazingly talented Prithvi Shaw and his emergence in Indian cricket. 

Early Life and Background

Prithvi Shaw is undoubtedly one of the rising stars in Indian cricket, but he also had to go through a lot of struggles. He was born on November 9, 1999, in Gaya, Bihar, India. His family later moved to Mumbai, where he discovered his passion for cricket at a very young age. Prithvi’s tryst with cricket began when he was just three years old. Raised in a middle-class household, Shaw’s father ran a small business. Recognising his innate talent, his mother always encouraged him to pursue his love for the sport. Unfortunately, his mother died when he was only four years of age. 

Domestic Cricket Journey

Shaw’s domestic cricket journey started with the prestigious Rizvi Springfield High School. His records at the school level were nothing short of spectacular, and it was clear that he was destined for something greater. 

In 2016, Prithvi made his debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic competition. He was 17 at that time, and suffice it to say, it was a tournament for him to remember. He became the youngest player to score a century on debut in the tournament’s history. He scored 120 runs against Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a brilliant domestic career. With his record-breaking debut century in the first division, he started to rise through the ranks of Indian cricket. 

Under-19 World Cup Glory

The pinnacle of Prithvi Shaw’s early career came when he captained the Indian Under-19 cricket team to World Cup glory in 2018. His leadership and batting prowess were instrumental in India’s victory, and Shaw emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. His performances in the U-19 World Cup caught the attention of BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and his journey to the national team was well underway.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Debut

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest T20 cricketing extravaganza in the world, and Prithvi Shaw was also making impactful performances in IPL. In 2018, he was picked up by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and had an outstanding debut season. His fearless approach and aggressive strokeplay garnered attention, and he quickly became a young cricket sensation. Shaw’s memorable innings included a blistering 62 off 44 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

National Team Debut

Shaw’s call-up to the Indian national team was inevitable because of his consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. In October 2018, he made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rajkot. Shaw made an instant impact by scoring a century in his maiden Test match, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve this milestone. With his classic and free-flowing strokeplay, he became an immediate success on the international stage. 

Challenges and Setbacks

Prithvi Shaw’s cricketing journey has not been without its share of challenges and setbacks. In 2019, he faced a significant hurdle when he was handed a doping ban. This ban kept him away from the game for eight months. However, Shaw didn’t let adversity define his career. He returned with a hunger to prove himself, working hard on his fitness and game. At several points in his career, Shaw struggled to regain his form, but with his mental strength and resilience, he always came back to his scoring rhythm. 

Style of Play

Prithvi Shaw is known for his classical style of batting. Shaw’s playing style is the perfect combination of elegant strokeplay and aggression at the crease. He’s known for his ability to dominate fast bowlers and spinners alike with his punchy drives and crisp cuts. His technique is reminiscent of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar because of his strong bottom hand and wide range of strokes. He can effortlessly drive the ball through the covers, pull short deliveries, and cut with precision. His attacking instincts and fearless approach make him an exciting talent to watch.

Records and Achievements

From an early age, Prithvi Shaw has been breaking several records in cricket. He became the youngest Indian to score a Test century on debut. He also became the youngest opening batsman in IPL history when he was only 18 years and 165 days old. Here are some of the records of Prithvi Shaw in his cricketing career. 

• He made the highest score (546 runs from 330) by any batter in any organised cricket match in a Harris Shield match.
• He is the maiden Indian player to hit a hundred on his debut in the  Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and Test Cricket.
• Second youngest Indian cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to score a hundred on debut in 2018.
• He holds the record for 2nd highest score in English List A cricket history. 
• The 15th cricketer for India to make a hundred on his debut in Test Cricket.
• The sixth cricketer for India to get the Man of the Match award on debut.

Off the Field

Off the field, Prithvi Shaw is known for his humility and dedication to the sport. He often attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family and mentors. Throughout his career, he signed several big endorsement and sponsorship deals with brands like MRF, Vivo, Rario, Protein X, Bharat Pe, Nike, and so on. He’s rumoured to be in a relationship with model and actress Nidhi Tapadia. Prithvi Shaw likes to keep his personal life private, and we respect his privacy. 

Future Prospects

Because of his skills, determination and incredible form, Prithvi Shaw is sure to make a huge impact in the upcoming tournaments and series. Besides, Shaw’s potential in international cricket is extremely high, as he’s expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s success in the coming years.

Inspirational Story

Once, Indian cricketing legend and commentator Ravi Shastri talked about Prithvi Shaw like this, “There’s a bit of Sachin there, a bit of Viru in him, and when he walks, there’s a bit of Brian Lara as well”. That sums up his batting ability and high prospects in Indian cricket. 

Shaw’s journey from a small town in Bihar to the international cricketing arena serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers in India. From a young boy playing with a plastic bat to an international cricketing sensation, he has defied all odds to achieve success. His journey is an inspiration not just to aspiring cricketers but to anyone with a dream and the courage to pursue it.

Conclusion

Prithvi Shaw’s rise in Indian cricket is a tale of perseverance and talent. His remarkable journey from a small town in Bihar to the Indian cricket team is a testament to his passion and skill. As he continues to shine on the international stage, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the story of this young cricketing prodigy.

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