"No one even congratulated me after scoring a 50" - Prithvi Shaw on importance of big scores ahead of Ranji Trophy 2022 final
Prithvi Shaw's Mumbai team has been on an absolute rampage this Ranji Trophy season. The captain, however, hasn't been consistent and has hit only three half-centuries in five games.
Mumbai have always been famous for their 'khadoos' batting, where batters put an invaluable price on their wickets and play marathon knocks to tire out their opponents. But Shaw hasn't been able to do that this season.
In the semi-finals, Shaw fell for a duck in the first innings and then scored a 71-ball 64 in the second.
This is just amazing - Mumbai 61/0 & Prithvi Shaw 60*(64) & Jaiswal 0*(50) at the moment. https://t.co/L3X68ecePW
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the final, Shaw stated he wasn't too concerned about personal form as the team was his priority. He said:
"I have scored a couple of 50s but that's not enough for me for sure and no one even congratulated me after scoring a 50 and you feel bad as well (jokingly). It happens sometimes but I am glad that my team is doing well. As a captain, I have to think of all 21 players I have got here and not just about me."
The two captains shake hands before the #RanjiTrophy final.
Who will be smiling in five days' time - Mumbai's Prithvi Shaw, or Madhya Pradesh's Aditya Shrivastava? https://t.co/JNDH9nMzIB
"In cricket and in life, the graph always goes up and down" - Prithvi Shaw
Despite being just 22 years of age, Prithvi Shaw has already seen quite a few highs and lows in his career. He smashed a Test century on debut for India but was also dropped from the team after his horror display in the pink-ball Test Down Under.
Following his experiences, Shaw has accepted that any sportsperson's career is a rollercoaster of emotions. He is fully focused on the task at hand and wants to live in the present. The 22-year-old stated:
"In cricket and in life, the graph always goes up and down and it's never going to always go up. So it's just a matter of time that I middle those balls and get those big runs again. But right now, I want to ensure that my team is doing fine and is enjoying its game."
Mumbai will take on Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy final and will be looking to win a record-extending 42nd title on June 22.