Ranji Trophy SF: Debut ton by Prithvi Shaw takes Mumbai to 46th Ranji Final

Ex-cricketers have high hopes on the talented

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Debut ton by Prithvi Shaw takes Mumbai to 46th Ranji Final | Image Source : Twitter
Internet Desk: A century on first-class debut by teenage batsman Prithvi Shaw has taken defending champions Mumbai into the final of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, with a target of 251 achieved for the loss of four wickets on day five of the semi-final against Tamil Nadu in Rajkot. Aged 17 years and 57 days, Shaw scored 120 off 175 deliveries in the second innings to join Sachin Tendulkar, Amol Muzumdar, Ajinkya Rahane, Jatin Paranjpe and Sameer Dighe, among others, as Mumbai batsmen to score centuries on first-class debut. He reached the landmark off his 152nd delivery faced, with a single into the offside and in doing so, became the 14th player to score a hundred on Ranji Trophy debut. In dramatic scenes on Thursday, Shaw very nearly did not get to three figures. On 99, he steered a wide delivery from seam bowler Vijay Shankar and was caught at short-third man, and then immediately swung his bat in disgust, but replays showed that Shankar had just failed to get his back leg inside the line. Moments later, Shaw scampered a single in front of point and got to his century. The Mumbai dressing room stood to cheer Shaw’s achievement, which the batsman himself celebrated with a spread of the arms and a boyish grin.
Prithvi’s reaction after the match was,”I am very happy to score a hundred on debut and it all was possible for my Father’s sacrifice. Our coach Chandrakant Pandit has scolded me of getting out at 120 runs and not finishing the game. I was not aware of my runs when i got out of a no ball at 99, I returned to the crease and completed my hundred.”

The century on debut has fetched immense appreciation from legendary ex-cricketers. Ex-Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar who picked Prithvi to play for Mumbai U-14 team was full of praises about Prithvi. Vengsarkar said,”when I first saw him he impressed me with his approach towards the game and I liked it. This is the distinct feature of Mumbai cricket here young talented cricketers are given early chance to play first class cricket and introduce the talent early in the mainstream. When I saw him play for the U-19 India side I was convinced he will soon make it to the First class cricket. Although it is his first century and he has a long way to go, all my good wishes are with him.”

Ex-Indian captain and Mumbaikar Ajit Wadekar said,”I heard his name doing the rounds but didn’t see him play before, today I watched it in TV and saw his valiant effort on debut. He alone took the game away from the opponent and I must admire his sense of responsibility at this age to do so.”

Another Ex-Indian Cricketer Lalchand Rajput said,”After Sachin he is the second youngest batsman to score a century on debut, he is the 13th Mumbai player to score century on debut. Last time it was Amol Majumdar during the 93-94 season to score a ton on debut. Looked good but have to go a long distance I hope he succeeds in the near future.”

According to Pravin Amre ex-Indian cricketer, “Feeling very proud that Mumbai won the match and Prithvi lead all along. No one will remember whether he was out in a no ball at 99 but his achievement of scoring hundred on debut will go to the history books. I think he has the capacity to represent India provided the temperament he has shown on the field but has to be consistent in future.”
Prithvi’s Father Pankaj Shaw was lamenting for missing his sons innings and said from Mumbai that,”I am repenting for not going to Nagpur, I missed a golden innings. I am indebted to Dilip Vengsarkar and thank him for giving my son a chance and backing him all along. It is due to him Prithvi got sponsor and continued playing cricket.”