I have no interest in IPL riches, says Prithvi Shaw

Mumbai’s teen sensation Prithvi Shaw is making rapid strides in the world of cricket. The stylish top order batsman who has been a part of the India U-19 team since last year will be captain of the Indian Colts in five One Day International matches in England. This marks the return of the series after India hosted the English last year.

Shaw scored 9, 12 and 105 in three of the five one-dayers against England on home turf. Seeing his aggressive and compact technique, the Indian selectors promoted him as the captain.

“It’s a great feeling for my family and me. I never thought I’d get this far. I played my game and performed with my bat. I feel that this is why they chose me as the captain. My father who is always keen on making me a better cricketer is very proud. It feels good to be the only player from Mumbai in the team,” said Shaw, who made his Ranji debut for Mumbai with a sensational hundred.  

The five one-dayers will be preceded by two four-day games, of which Shaw is also a squad member. The India Under-19 team will start their tour with a two-day warm-up game on July 19-20 before playing the first four-day game from July 23-26 at Chesterfield. The second four-day match will be held from July 31-August 3 in Worcester.

The 17-year-old is mentored by the legendary India Colts coach Rahul Dravid and speaks like his real student. “For now, I am not interested in playing in the IPL. I want to focus on my game and will give it a shot later. I do not plan to go for any selection camp, presently,” he said.

Praising the influence of Dravid on the team, he said, “Sir always motivates us with his experience, he is a tremendous inspiration for all of us. When he is around, there is always a positive vibe in the camp. Dravid sir always focuses on discipline, and that’s what comes first for him.”

In the previous Ranji Season, Prithvi had a scored an excellent knock of 120 from 175 deliveries, which got him in the league of Sachin Tendulkar, Amol Muzumdar, Ajinkya Rahane, Jatin Paranjpe and Sameer Dighe, among others, as Mumbai batsmen to score centuries on first-class debut. “I was confident when I made it to the playing X1. I played my usual game and then went on to the maximum later. I will repeat that performance whenever I can get a chance,” he asserts talking about the next Ranji Season. “The new selection panel has experienced Ranji players, I will be aiming to perform with my bat to grab their attention,” he adds.

Shaw is currently studying in Rizvi College in the field of commerce. He will be appearing for his 12th board examinations this coming year. “I plan to balance my sport and my academics. I manage my studies in the off-season of cricket, but I train whenever I get time,” said a humble Shaw as he helped his father, Pankaj with the household chores at his Kalina home.

Rizvi College also felicitated Shaw where coach Raju Pathak said the youngster still has a long way to go. “His potential was seen when he scored the record breaking 546 in Harris Shield in 2013. We knew he was talented. Now he has to continue doing what he has to grab that Team India seniors cap,” concludes the coach.