Prithvi Shaw evolves as the 2nd highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy

Team India and Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw evolved as the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the Ranji Trophy. Although he missed the chase of becoming the second Indian batsman to smash 400 runs in Ranji Cricket, the 23-year-old batsman wrapped up with 379 runs on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy match against Assam. He crossed Sanjay Manjrekar’s score of 377 runs to become the second-highest run-getter after BB Nimbalkar, who is a Maharashtra cricketer and scored 443 not out against Saurashtra in the 1948-49 season of the competition. 

Shaw shattered the 33-year record of highest score by a Mumbai batsman, followed by Sanjay Manjrekar scoring 377 against Hyderabad in the 1990-91 edition. He got dismissed after smashing 379 runs off just 383 balls including 49 fours and 4 sixes against Gokul Sharma’s side consisting of players like all-rounder Riyan Parag who plays for the Rajasthan franchise in the Indian T20 League. 

Shaw’s fall of wicket marked a 401-run third wicket partnership with another Team India batsman and Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane. The 23-year-old Mumbai batsman smashed his century off just 107 balls, his double hundred in 235 balls and his triple ton came in just 326 deliveries. 

Here are the Top 5 highest run-scorers in Ranji Trophy history:-

1. BB Nimbalkar (Maharashtra) – 443* vs Saurashtra (1948-49)
2. Prithvi Shaw (Mumbai) – 379 vs Assam (2022-23)
3. Sanjay Manjrekar (Bombay) – 377 vs Hyderabad (1990-91)
4. MV Sridhar (Hyderabad) – 366 vs Andhra (1993-94)
5. Vijay Merchant (Bombay) – 359* vs Maharashtra (1943-44)

On the first day of the Ranji Trophy match, Assam versus Guwahati, Shaw scored 240 not out of 283 balls, breaking his last first-class cricket career record. The Delhi franchise batter smashed 33 fours and a six, assisting Mumbai to post a total of 397/2 at the time of stumps. He added 123 runs for the first wicket partnership along with Musheer Khan and an unbroken 200 runs pact with skipper Rahane for the third wicket. 

Shaw was ruthless with the left-arm spinner Roshan Alam and slammed him 76 runs with ease. This was his first hundred in the Ranji trophy this year. He registered only 160 runs in his last seven innings with an average of just 22.85 and a high score of 68. Also, he has been abandoned by the selectors for various international matches of the Indian Cricket Team.