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Young batter Prithvi Shaw, on just his second game after return to action after a six-month-long injury lay-off, smashed a century in his second innings for Mumbai to put them on top against Chhattisgarh in their Ranji Trophy Group B fixture in Raipur on Friday. He struck 18 boundaries and three sixes in his knock of 159 off just 185 deliveries. The opener reached the three-figure before lunch and in the process became the first Indian to score two centuries in the opening session on day one of a first-class cricket match. He had achieved a similar feat against Assam en route to his 383-ball 379, which was the second-highest Ranji Trophy score of all time.

During an interaction, Shaw revealed that he was a bit anxious and pessimistic about his return to action. Shaw said that he feared whether he’ll be able to bat like he used to before his injury. Notably, Shaw had picked up a knee injury while playing for Northamptonshire in the County Championship.

“I wanted to do well but somewhere I wondered whether I would be able to bat in my style or not. Kaise kheloonga (how will I play), when I would make a comeback and whether it will be on a good note or not. These were the thoughts which were going around. But after I stayed for a few hours, things became normal,” Shaw told The Indian Express.

Shaw further opened up that doing “match simulation” helped him overcome the strange feeling.

“I wasn’t nervous but the feeling was a bit ajeeb (strange) when I resumed my batting. However, I did a match simulation and was motivating myself that everything will be fine. My body language was fine,” he added.

While his century has intensified talks of a possible return to the Indian Test side, Shaw emphasised that he is currently focused on helping Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy.

“I’m not thinking too far off and want to stay in the present. There is no expectation, I’m happy that I’m back playing cricket. I have just come back after injury and just want to give my best. My aim is to win the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and I’m trying to achieve that by contributing as much as I can going ahead,” he further explained.

Coming back to the match, Shaw reached the three-figure before lunch and in the process became the first Indian to score two centuries in the opening session on day one of a first-class cricket match.

He had achieved a similar feat against Assam en route to his 383-ball 379, which was the second-highest Ranji Trophy score of all time.

(With PTI Inputs)