Prithvi Shaw opens up on his India return hopes after Maharashtra beat Bengal

Prithvi Shaw opens up on his India return hopes after Maharashtra beat Bengal

Prithvi Shaw Keeps India Comeback in Mind but Focuses on Winning for Maharashtra

Prithvi Shaw has not stopped thinking about a return to the India cricket team, but the Maharashtra batter says his immediate priority is performing well in domestic cricket. Speaking after Maharashtra’s emphatic 10-wicket victory over Bengal in their Ranji Trophy 2026/27 Elite Group C match at Eden Gardens, Shaw described his approach as one game at a time.

The win gave Maharashtra a strong result on the road and offered Shaw another opportunity to build momentum in a season that has included both promising contributions and modest scores. While a place in India’s national setup remains an ambition, the opener appears determined not to let long-term speculation distract him from the work in front of him.

Shaw’s India comeback prediction: “Just keep winning games”

Asked about the possibility of returning to the national side, Shaw acknowledged that the thought is always present. However, he said experience has taught him to avoid looking too far ahead. Instead, he wants to concentrate on preparation, recovery and helping Maharashtra win.

“There is always a thought at the back of the mind. But as much as I have experienced, I should not think so much ahead,” Shaw said after the match. He explained that even after an interview, his attention would soon shift to what he needs to do next, rather than dwelling on future selection possibilities.

His practical checklist was straightforward: keep winning, train well and eat properly. That grounded mindset may be especially useful for a player trying to rebuild consistency and make a case for higher honours. In a crowded Indian batting pool, a comeback prediction is difficult to make with certainty; sustained runs across formats are likely to matter more than one standout performance.

India’s busy schedule makes competition intense

India’s international calendar adds context to Shaw’s challenge. The national team is touring New Zealand, where India have won the T20I series and taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, with a two-Test series still to come. Across formats, India have a deep group of established players and emerging options competing for places.

For Shaw, that means domestic cricket is not simply a route back to the spotlight; it is a chance to demonstrate reliability over time. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy can help a player stay in the conversation, but selectors also weigh consistency, fitness, role requirements and the balance of the squad. Shaw’s stated focus on the present reflects an understanding that those elements are best addressed through performance rather than public speculation.

Shaw backs his batting despite recent low scores

Shaw has experienced an uneven run in the current Ranji Trophy season. He registered a top score of 70 against Delhi in Maharashtra’s opening match and has also recorded several lower scores, including 7, 21, 0, 17 and 12. Those results can make a season look inconsistent on paper, but Shaw said he is not overly concerned by individual dismissals.

He believes his batting has been in good order and that a substantial innings could change the narrative. Shaw noted that some dismissals come from good deliveries, while others happen when he plays his natural attacking shots. In his view, the key is not to overreact to every failure when the underlying quality of his starts and preparation remains sound.

“The batting is good; nothing is going wrong. It’s just a matter of one innings,” he said, describing the ups and downs as a normal part of a long domestic campaign.

That confidence received a timely boost against Bengal. In Maharashtra’s second innings, Shaw struck an aggressive 53 from 50 deliveries, helping his side finish the chase without losing a wicket. The innings was a reminder of the attacking instincts that have long defined his game, while also giving him a useful platform to carry into the next fixture.

Settling into life with Maharashtra

The move from Mumbai to Maharashtra has also proved comfortable for Shaw. He said the relatively short distance between Mumbai and Pune, along with familiar relationships in the dressing room, helped him adapt quickly. Shaw pointed to teammates including Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ankit Bawne as players with whom he already shared a strong connection.

That sense of belonging can be valuable during a demanding first-class season. A supportive team environment gives a batter room to focus on technique and decision-making, rather than spending energy adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. Shaw said he has enjoyed the experience and never felt that he had moved far from the cricketing community he knew.

Maharashtra’s comprehensive win over Bengal will also strengthen the team’s position and confidence in the competition. A 10-wicket result at a venue as prominent as Eden Gardens is a significant achievement, and Shaw’s second-innings contribution added an attacking finish to the victory.

What comes next for Shaw?

Shaw’s immediate target is clear: convert promising moments into bigger, more frequent scores. His 70 against Delhi and half-century against Bengal show that he can make meaningful contributions, but consistency will be crucial if he hopes to build a compelling case for an India return.

For now, Shaw is resisting the urge to make firm predictions about his international future. His approach is to focus on the next training session and the next match, trusting that sustained performances will speak for themselves. If he can turn his recent starts into substantial innings and continue contributing to Maharashtra’s results, the conversation around a national comeback is likely to grow naturally.

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