Prithvi Shaw, a name synonymous with explosive batting and a fearless approach to cricket, has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts around the world. As one of India’s brightest young talents, Shaw’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Virar, Maharashtra, to representing the national team is nothing short of inspiring. This article explores Prithvi Shaw’s career, earnings, and the life that shaped his success.
Early life and cricket beginnings
Prithvi Shaw was born on November 9, 1999, in Thane, Maharashtra. He was raised in Virar, a suburb of Mumbai, where his cricket journey began at a tender age. His father, Pankaj Shaw, played a crucial role in nurturing Prithvi’s talent, ensuring he had the best opportunities to hone his skills.
Shaw’s early cricketing achievements were extraordinary. He made headlines at the age of 14 when he scored an incredible 546 runs in a Harris Shield match, setting a record for the highest individual score in school cricket history. This remarkable feat garnered attention from cricketing circles, solidifying Shaw’s status as a prodigy.
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Rise through the ranks
Prithvi’s journey through the ranks of Indian cricket was meteoric. His exploits in school cricket earned him a spot in the Under-16 and Under-19 teams, where he continued to shine. His performances at the junior level were instrumental in securing a place in the Indian Under-19 team.
Shaw’s captaincy of the Indian Under-19 team in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup was a pivotal moment in his career. Under his leadership, India won the championship, and Shaw’s batting prowess was on full display throughout the tournament. His consistent performances and aggressive batting style made him a standout player.
International debut and IPL success
In November 2016, Shaw was part of the India Under-19 squad that won the youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Few months later, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu and scored a second-innings century that led his team to victory.
In September 2017, at 17, Shaw became the youngest player to score a century on Duleep Trophy debut, a record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar. He was then named captain of the Under-19 World Cup squad, a tournament India went on to win. During the tournament, he was sold to Delhi Daredevils for INR 1.2 crore (USD 187,500 approx) in the 2018 IPL auction.
Given an opportunity after their IPL campaign flagged midway, Shaw impressed head coach Ricky Ponting with his fearless batting against the new ball; ending with 245 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 153.12. However, it was his performances for India A, both in England and at home against West Indies A and South Africa A, that gave wings to his India aspirations.
Following his success at the Under-19 level, he pipped Mayank Agarwal in the race to be India’s back-up opener when he earned a call-up for the fourth and fifth Tests in England in 2018, and finally became India’s 293rd Test cricketer in Rajkot against West Indies in November 2018 after India’s selectors ran out of patience with Shikhar Dhawan. Shaw marked the occasion by becoming the youngest Indian Test centurion on debut, and just the second-youngest Test centurion for India after Sachin Tendulkar.. He became the youngest Indian batsman to score a century on debut, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Shaw’s performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) added to his growing reputation. He was picked by the Delhi Capitals, where he made an immediate impact with his fearless approach to batting. Shaw’s ability to play aggressive shots and score quickly made him a valuable asset to his team.
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Earnings and net worth
Prithvi Shaw’s success in cricket has translated into significant earnings. His contracts with the Delhi Capitals and the Indian cricket team, along with endorsement deals, contribute to his net worth. While exact figures may vary, it’s estimated that Shaw’s net worth is in the range of several crores.
His earnings are not limited to cricket contracts alone. Shaw’s popularity has attracted endorsement deals with prominent brands, further enhancing his financial standing. These endorsements include sports equipment companies, apparel brands, and lifestyle products, among others.
Challenges and setbacks
While Prithvi Shaw’s career has been marked by success, it’s not been without its challenges. In 2019, he faced a setback when he was suspended for a doping violation, which resulted in a backdated ban. This incident served as a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face obstacles.
Shaw’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain his focus on the game demonstrates his resilience and determination. He used the time away from cricket to reflect, train, and come back stronger, earning praise for his positive attitude and determination to improve.
Looking ahead
Prithvi Shaw’s journey is far from over. With his aggressive batting style, fearless approach, and knack for scoring quickly, he is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cricket in the coming years. His ability to adapt to different formats and his hunger for success suggest that he will continue to be a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.
As Shaw continues to grow as a cricketer, his focus on personal development and consistency will be key to his long-term success. With a supportive family and a strong work ethic, Shaw has the potential to become one of India’s leading cricketers in the years to come.
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Conclusion
Prithvi Shaw’s journey from a record-breaking school cricketer to representing India on the international stage is a testament to his talent and determination. His aggressive style, combined with his ability to score quickly, makes him a player to watch in Indian cricket. As he navigates the ups and downs of a cricketing career, Shaw’s story continues to inspire young cricketers and fans alike. With a promising future ahead, Prithvi Shaw is a name that will undoubtedly be associated with excellence in Indian cricket for years to come.
