'There is always a thought at the back of the mind' - Prithvi Shaw still hopes to make India comeback
In Kolkata on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Maharashtra defeated Bengal by 10 wickets in a dominant Ranji Trophy performance. Prithvi Shaw, the 26-year-old opening batter, addressed reporters after the match and reflected on his ambitions to return to international cricket following an absence of five years.
Shaw's last appearance for India came in July 2021 against Sri Lanka. During his international career, he has played five Tests, six ODIs and one T20I. A century on debut against the West Indies and captaincy of India's Under-19 World Cup-winning side in 2018 are among his notable achievements.
"There is always a thought at the back of the mind. But as much as I have experienced, I should not think so much ahead. Like I am giving you an interview now. After this, I will go to the room and then think what to do," Shaw was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
"I don't think more than that. Just keep winning games. Have good training. Eat well," the right-handed batter added.
Shaw's international absence and recent form
Across seven innings in the current Ranji Trophy season, Shaw has registered two half-centuries. His most substantial contribution came against Delhi in Maharashtra's opening match, where he scored 70 runs. In his remaining five innings, he accumulated 7, 21, 0, 17 and 12 runs respectively.
When asked about the inconsistency in his recent performances, Shaw acknowledged the natural rhythm of batting and the importance of maintaining perspective after dismissals.
"I feel in matches, some innings will go badly, and some will go well. After I get out, I don't feel I should take much tension because there were some good balls, and in some, I have got out playing my own shots. So I feel in all these innings, there is no problem with the start. The batting is good; nothing is going wrong. It's just a matter of one innings," Shaw said.
Settling into life at Maharashtra
Shaw moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra last year and has spoken positively about his transition to the new domestic team. The geographical proximity between the two cities and his existing relationships with teammates have eased his adjustment.
"It's a very good phase. I feel Mumbai and Pune are not too far apart. There is a difference of 1.5 to 2 hours, and I know a lot of players. Ritu (Ruturaj Gaikwad), Ankit (Bawne)," Shaw said.
"There are a lot of players with whom I have played, and there is a good bond. So I never felt that I have come so far from here. I am very comfortable, and I have enjoyed it a lot," he added.
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