Attacking Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw is thrilled to lead 41-time champions in the Ranji Trophy this season. Shaw, who led from the front, scoring 827 runs from eight games during Mumbai’s 2020-21 Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, wants to replicate this performance in the national championship which kicks off for Mumbai today in Ahmedabad, where they play defending champions Saurashtra. Shaw, 22, who has represented the country in five Tests, six ODIs and one T20I, says though he is missing the Indian dressing room, the focus is on helping Mumbai prosper in the Ranji Trophy.
Edited excerpts from the interview
On the resumption of Ranji Trophy
There is huge excitement amongst us. There was a big break due to COVID-19 and we didn’t play the Ranji Trophy last season. It’s a big opportunity for all of us as red-ball cricket is coming back. It will be a good opportunity for us to score runs, take wickets, go there and win matches for Mumbai.
On the importance of Ranji Trophy
Personally, this season is quite important for me too, because if I want to get back into the Indian team, I obviously need to score runs. But I am not thinking about that. I want my team to win the Ranji Trophy this season and I am focusing on that. I am not thinking about the future and want to be in the present. Being captain of Mumbai makes me feel very proud me and a lot of responsibility comes with that.
On missing the Team India dressing room
I do miss it, but it’s fine. In cricket, sometimes you go up and sometimes you come down. The thing is you should not give up.
On facing defending champions Saurashtra first up
It’s going to be a good match with challenges. They [Saurashtra] are a wonderful team. But, we were practising at the Wankhede Stadium, played a few practice matches and doing a lot of stuff like mental training and strategy. We are ready to go there and accept the challenges.
On leading the Ranji Trophy team for the first time
Captaining a Mumbai Ranji team is always special. Leading the team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy meant a lot too, but Ranji Trophy is bigger. I’m really looking forward to it. Ajinkya Rahane and everyone are there to help me out. Dhawal [Kulkarni] is here while Shreyas [Iyer] and Surya [Yadav] could be available later, so let’s see how it goes.
On Mumbai’s inexperienced bowling attack except for the presence of Dhawal Kulkarni
Yes, they [medium pace bowlers] are new. But Mohit Avasthi, 29, [represented Mumbai in six List A and five T20 games], Siddharth Raut, 28, [uncapped] and Prince Badiani, 18, [played for the Mumbai U-19 team] are very good. They were picked because they deserve to play Ranji Trophy. I think they are capable of taking wickets, capable of doing stuff, which Shardul Thakur used to do when he played the Ranji Trophy. Obviously, Dhawal has more experience, so he can share that experience with the youngsters coming into the side. I think it’s going to be okay. I believe in them, if the captain and management and all the players believe in them, I think they can do well.
On expectations from youngsters in the team
The first thing I would say is that you have to enjoy the game. It’s four-day cricket, so you have to be patient. Secondly, if they need any help and want to talk about something, we have Ajinkya and a lot of experienced players. I’d say, don’t take pressure. The way you came up scoring runs and taking wickets at the club level, it’s going to be the same thing. You just have to up your game.
On Ajinkya Rahane’s presence in the Mumbai team
Ajinkya with us is a big advantage. He has already played 82 Tests for India. He has been playing for India for 10 years. His presence is going to be a huge plus and he will definitely share his experience with the guys. He is very disciplined and takes care of everyone. I am sure he is going to help me out as well.
