As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, all eyes are on domestic cricket stars hoping to catch the attention of talent scouts. Among them, Prithvi Shaw has made a powerful statement by smashing a brilliant century in the warm-up game between Maharashtra and Mumbai – a timely reminder of his undeniable talent.
Fighting for a place
Shaw, who recently moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, has been fighting to regain his spot after a difficult 2024-25 season that saw him dropped from both Mumbai and the national selectors’ radar. He even went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, which was a major setback for the talented opener.
But in Tuesday’s three-day practice match, Shaw showed why he remains a force to reckon with. In under a day, he blasted 186 runs against his former team Mumbai. Along with Arshin Kulkarni, he put on a massive 305-run partnership, giving Maharashtra a strong start. Shaw’s innings ended when Mumbai’s Shams Mulani finally got him out after 50 overs.
Prithvi Shaw numbers
Prithvi’s career stats speak volumes – 4556 runs in 58 first-class matches at an impressive average of 46.02. This century couldn’t have come at a better time as IPL scouts are actively searching for emerging talents and proven players to strengthen their squads ahead of the auction.
Maharashtra, led by stars like CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and experienced all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign on October 15 against Kerala. Shaw’s stellar performance in the warm-up game gives hope that he is back in form and ready to make an impact in the domestic season and possibly in IPL 2026.
For Shaw, this innings could be a turning point. The IPL auction is just around the corner, and with talent scouts hunting for in-form players, his sparkling hundred might just secure him a coveted IPL contract again.
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