Prithvi Shaw (Source: @ImTanujSingh/X)
In sports, raw talent isn’t enough; only those who survive the grind of brutal competition and ruthless criticism rise to icon status. Those who fell short in the test face even harder battles wherever setbacks become the stage of proving their worth.
Being the next Sachin Tendulkar is tough, as every batter has their own uniqueness. But the world saw a Sachin-like spark in another Mumbai batter- Prithvi Shaw. With a flawless stance, fearless aggression, and breathtaking talent, the young Mumbai prodigy quickly emerged as India’s brightest hope and the next-generation superstar cricket fans have been waiting for.
From rising prodigy to a star almost lost in the shadows, Prithvi Shaw’s journey has been a rollercoaster of glory and controversy. In the domestic stage, Shaw created masterpieces, but his first century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali was a classic, a perfect mic-drop to silence all the doubters.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tests him, and he responds in style
When Sachin Tendulkar stepped into the Indian cricket, the world remained in awe of his talent. As his legendary career neared its end, fans wondered if another Sachin could ever emerge. Little did they know, a young prodigy from Tendulkar’s own hometown was stepping onto the pitch, igniting the game with a Master-Blaster-like spark.
Making waves in the cricket world from early days, Shaw defied every odds, spread his wings in every possible chance. Under-19 World Cup triumph, domestic success, Shaw lived in his dream. But as every coin has two sides, Shaw soon faced the harshest lows, discovering the bitter taste of disappointment after soaring so high.
The weight of expectations turned into a burden for him as, just ahead of the IPL 2022, he failed to pass the Yo-Yo test. Criticism rained down instantly, and fans even started questioning whether the young star’s future was in jeopardy.
But a player turns into a warrior when he rises through the ashes and showcases his excellence. Later that year, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy became Prithvi Shaw’s battlefield, and he didn’t disappoint. While facing Assam, words took a backseat as he let his bat talking.
A courageous 134 reignites Shaw’s brilliance
In life, firsts are always important, and if those beginnings become the big stage to shut down the criticism, the moment becomes immortal. After a setback in early 2022, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw his brilliance. As Mumbai faced Assam in the Elite group clash, the world saw brilliance.
Coming to open the innings with Aman Khan, Mumbai faced an early setback after Aman Khan walked away, scoring 15 runs. Standing at that time, Shaw emerged as a hope that Assam was scared of. Stitching a 114-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shaw smashed a fiery fifty in just 19 balls.
As the Mumbai opener swung his bat in the air while smashing the ball all over the ground, the Assam bowlers were under pressure. Continuing his ruthless hitting, Shaw smashed a record-breaking century in just 46 balls, and the cricket world was stunned by his heroics. Making it more special, this was his first ever ton in the 20-over format
His unstoppable 134 off 61 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and 9 sixes, propelled Mumbai to a massive total and reminded everyone why he’s a superstar. After facing a doping ban during the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw returned to the very same stage three years later to deliver a jaw-dropping masterclass.
After Prithvi faced consecutive setbacks in his career, the world considered him a forgotten talent. But he proved there is no late in cricket as the game only understands the language of never giving up. He may be the next Sachin Tendulkar, but cricket will remember him as India’s very own Prithvi Shaw, who never gave up.
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