When India faced Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar casually mentioned Mumbai batter Prithvi Shaw‘s Ranji exploits. Despite starting his career with a century on his Test debut, Mumbai opener Shaw has failed to cement his place in Team India despite being regarded as the next big thing in world cricket.
During the 2023 Ranji Trophy, the opener regained his form. Shaw’s record-breaking triple century against Assam at the Amingaon Cricket Ground in Guwahati served as a timely reminder to national selectors. An on-song Shaw broke multiple records with his 379 off 383 balls to help Mumbai post a massive first-innings total of 687-4 in 138.4 overs.
Would have been fantastic if he had gotten a 400-plus score: Sunil Gavaskar
Giving Shaw special mention during the ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar stated that the Mumbaikar has undoubtedly captured the attention of national selectors following his excellent knock in the Ranji Trophy.
“This is what was needed from him, he was scoring lovely 60s-70s. So many people were scoring 60s-70s. If you really want to grab the attention of the selection committee. Get the bigger hundreds, the double and triple hundreds. He almost got a 400, that would have been fantastic if he had gotten a 400-plus score,” Gavaskar said on air during India’s meeting with Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI at Kolkata.
“I think he might have made it difficult for Mumbai to think about the declaration. Because then, he would have been close to the highest-ever score by an Indian (443 not out) in first-class cricket. There will have always been a temptation to go for that 443. It’s a very tough call,” Gavaskar added.
Shaw was recently praised by Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah for a gem of a knock during the World Cup season.
