Prithvi Shaw Returns to West Zone for Duleep Trophy

Impressive Season Revives Career

Prithvi Shaw’s recent domestic splash with Maharashtra has earned him a spot in the West Zone Duleep Trophy side. After shifting clubs, he topped the Ranji run charts for his new state, amassing 537 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.81. The campaign included a single hundred and three half‑centuries, highlighted by a 156‑ball 222 against Chandigarh.

That onslaught, the third‑fastest double century in Ranji history, erased doubts about his fitness and form. The selection panel, chaired by Mumbai’s new chief selector Rajesh Pawar, viewed the performance as a clear signal of Shaw’s readiness. The move to Maharashtra proved pivotal, turning a struggling phase into a promising comeback.

Shaw’s Resurgence and Recent Achievements

Shaw’s talent was evident early, with a sensational Test hundred of 134 at age 18 against West Indies in 2018. He capped his Test career with 339 runs in five matches, averaging 42.37, before the final outing came in Adelaide during the 2020 pink‑ball series. The recent domestic surge now positions him for another potential national‑team call‑up.

Rajesh Pawar praised the 26‑year‑old, noting that “Prithvi scored more than 500 runs for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy last year. We all know about his enormous talent. He is still 26 and can still make a comeback to the Indian team one day You never know!” This endorsement underscores how Shaw’s current form could reopen doors at the international level. The timing aligns with a busy Indian summer, offering him a platform to impress ahead of upcoming series.

New West Zone Leadership

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been anointed captain of the West Zone squad, with seasoned all‑rounder Shams Mulani stepping in as vice‑captain. Gaikwad, who also leads Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, brings recent experience from the India ‘A’ tri‑series and red‑ball fixtures against Sri Lanka ‘A’. Mulani’s left‑arm spin and leadership are expected to add depth to the bowling attack.

Last season, veteran Shardul Thakur skippered the side and guided it to the Duleep semifinals, where West Zone fell short to Central Zone on the first‑innings lead. Thakur returns to the squad as a key fast bowler, joining Mumbai teammates Tushar Deshpande and Atit Sheth, plus Mukesh Chaudhary of Maharashtra. The blend of experience and emerging talent aims to replicate last year’s competitive edge.

Key Players and Squad Composition

The batting line‑up features proven performers alongside fresh faces. In addition to Gaikwad, Shaw, and the Khan brothers—Sarfaraz and Musheer—West Zone also picks Jaymeet Patel and Baroda’s Shivalik Sharma. Two wicketkeepers, Harvik Desai and Urvil Patel, will handle the gloves for the tournament.

Spinning options are anchored by left‑arm specialists Shams Mulani and Siddharth Desai of Gujarat, complemented by Mumbai’s off‑spinner Tanush Kotian. The fast‑bowling unit comprises Shardul Thakur, Deshpande, Maharashtra’s Mukesh Chaudhary, and Baroda’s Atit Sheth, offering both pace and domestic exposure. A six‑member standby list rounds out the setup, featuring Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.

Standby List and Future Outlook

The standby players provide flexibility should any injuries arise during the Duleep Trophy, which runs from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence grounds in Bengaluru. Their inclusion ensures depth without straining the main squad’s balance.

For Shaw, this selection is more than a squad slot; it’s a platform to rebuild his international profile. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer missing due to national duties, the competition offers a clear window for upper‑order contributions that could influence future Test considerations. The West Zone’s focus on a blend of youth and experience sets the stage for a competitive domestic summer and a potential springboard for several players aiming for higher honours.