In a display of sheer batting prowess, young cricket sensation Prithvi Shaw captivated audiences with a remarkable century during Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024 encounter against Chhattisgarh. Shaw’s exceptional knock of 159 runs off just 185 deliveries on Friday propelled Mumbai to a dominant position of 310/4 by the end of Day 1 in their sixth match of the season, which was played in Raipur.
Following his recovery from a prolonged injury, the 24-year-old opener reaffirmed his competitive edge in his latest match against Bengal, scoring a modest 35. However, Shaw’s recent performance shone brightly, marking his 13th First-Class century and vividly signaling his return to top form.
The Mumbai batting dynamo, alongside Bhupen Lalwani, forged a formidable 244-run stand for the opening wicket, showcasing a remarkable synergy with Lalwani, who also scored a hundred. Shaw’s aggressive and stylish play saw him dispatching Chhattisgarh’s bowlers to the boundary with 18 fours and three sixes, achieving his third century in just four recent innings across various competitions.
Yet, the day wasn’t without its trials as Chhattisgarh bowlers managed to claw back into the game. They accomplished four crucial breakthroughs after the tea break, pegging back the Mumbai side slightly before the close of play.
On a less fortunate note, Mumbai’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane continued to struggle, with a disappointing single run to his name. Stepping back into leadership, Rahane confronted his sixth single-figure score in the contest’s 2024 iteration, a stark contrast to the resounding success of his teammates.
Elsewhere in the championship, defending champions Saurashtra found themselves at a sturdy 242 for the loss of 4 wickets against Rajasthan. Here, seasoned pro Cheteshwar Pujara stood out with his second ton of the tournament, racking up an impressive 110 runs off 230 balls. His determination and skill at the crease underscore his ongoing aspirations to reclaim a spot in the national squad.
Adding to the action-packed day, Karnataka’s in-form sensation, Devdutt Padikkal, continued to dazzle with an undefeated 151 from 216 balls against the formidable opposition of Tamil Nadu. Padikkal’s sublime batting, which featured three centuries in just five Ranji Trophy innings in 2024, plus notable performances against the England Lions, established Karnataka at 288/5 by the close of 90 overs on the first day, as both teams vie for the top position in the Elite Group C.
The left-handed 23-year-old’s consistent brilliance across formats has been a significant boost for his team and marks him as a player to watch in the ongoing competition.
The Ranji Trophy 2024 has been a stage for remarkable cricketing feats and Friday’s matches were a testament to the incredible talent on display. With Shaw and Pujara delivering outstanding centuries, the tournament continues to showcase the depth and quality of cricket in India. As these stars shine on the domestic front, they keep an eye on their ultimate goal of adding to the strength and success of the national team.
