Media365
KOLKATA: Prithvi Shaw showed glimpses of his vintage best as he led Maharashtra to a 10-wicket victory against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘C’ match at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday. The opener got his second half-century in this Ranji season to stay unbeaten on 53 off 50 balls while striking three fours and four sixes during his innings.However, Shaw preferred not to look too far ahead but stay in the present. “What I have learnt from experience is that I should not think so much ahead,” he said.“Like I am giving an interview now. After this, I will go to the room and then think about what to do. I don’t think more than that. Just keep winning games. Have good training. Eat well,” he said, laying down his programme.The 26-year-old last played for India five years ago and would definitely look to make a return to the national side. “There is always that thought at the back of the mind. But now I do not think so much ahead,” he explained.His immediate challenge is to put together a consistent run of scores in domestic cricket.The explosive opener has hit two half-centuries in seven innings this Ranji season, with his highest score of 70 coming against Delhi in Maharashtra’s opening match. Since then, he has scored 7, 21, 0, 17 and 12.“Some innings will go bad and some will go well. There is no problem with my start. Big runs are just a matter of one innings,” he felt.Shaw is enjoying leading Maharashtra after shifting from Mumbai last season.“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 (Gaikwad), Ankit (Bawne) here. So I never felt that I have come far from home. I am very comfortable, and have enjoyed it a lot,” he said.The opener enjoyed facing experienced pacer Mohammed Shami. “Shami Bhai is bowling as he used to. There is no change. He is bowling fast. It was about how to play Shami Bhai well because I feel he is the main bowler for such wickets,” he said.
