In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and true sportsmanship, Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad chose to share his Player of the Match award with teammate Prithvi Shaw. This generous gesture came after Shaw delivered an extraordinary double century, a blistering 222 runs, which was instrumental in Maharashtra’s commanding victory over Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
Gaikwad, who had also led his team with distinction, scored a fluent 116 in the first innings, followed by an unbeaten 36 in the second. His consistent performance rightfully earned him the Player of the Match honor. However, recognizing the immense impact of Shaw’s innings, Gaikwad felt the award was truly a reflection of team spirit and mutual respect.
Prithvi Shaw, after a modest eight runs in the first innings, roared back in spectacular fashion during the second. His explosive knock of 222 runs came off just 156 balls, adorned with 29 fours and five sixes. This masterclass in aggressive batting, played at an astounding strike rate of 142.30, left the Chandigarh team reeling and served as a powerful reminder of Shaw’s exceptional talent.
For Shaw, this innings marked a significant moment of redemption. Following a challenging 2024-25 season where he faced issues with fitness and discipline, leading to his exclusion from the Mumbai squad, he embarked on a fresh start with Maharashtra. Since joining his new team, Shaw has shown immense determination to revitalize his career.
Despite a duck in his very first innings for Maharashtra, he quickly found his rhythm, contributing a resilient 75 against Kerala. Just four innings into the season, Shaw has already amassed 305 runs at an impressive average of 76.25, including this magnificent double hundred and a half-century. These impressive statistics underscore a player fiercely committed to proving his capabilities once again.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association later shared a moment on social media where Gaikwad called Shaw to stand alongside him, both players beaming as they held the medal. It was a simple yet powerful act, symbolizing unity and a captain’s sincere acknowledgment of his teammate’s exceptional contribution.
Maharashtra’s comprehensive 144-run triumph over Chandigarh was undeniably a collective achievement. Still, the stellar performances of both Gaikwad and Shaw were pivotal. Gaikwad’s steady reliability perfectly complemented Shaw’s explosive flair, together setting an inspiring tone for their team’s ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign. This victory not only bolstered Maharashtra’s prospects but also reignited Prithvi Shaw’s domestic career, marking his move to Maharashtra as a potentially transformative new chapter for the talented 25-year-old.