In a touching gesture of sportsmanship, Chennai Super Kings skipper and Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shared his Player of the Match award with teammate Prithvi Shaw after the duo produced stellar performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season.
Gaikwad, who struck a classy 116 in the first innings against Chandigarh, was initially named the match’s standout performer. His composed knock laid the foundation for Maharashtra’s total of 313, anchoring the innings with precision and patience. However, what captured the cricketing world’s attention was not just his batting prowess but his humility off the field, as he chose to share the accolade with Shaw, whose breathtaking double century turned heads across the domestic circuit.
The former Delhi Capitals opener, making his maiden Ranji appearance for Maharashtra, followed a low first-innings score with a spectacular 222 off just 156 balls in the second. His innings, packed with 29 boundaries and five sixes, was a reminder of his natural flair and aggressive intent. The knock also went down as the third-fastest double century in the history of the Ranji Trophy. Only Hyderabad’s Tanmay Agarwal (119 balls in 2023–24) and Ravi Shastri (123 balls in 1984–85) reached the milestone faster, placing Shaw in elite company.
Earlier in the match, Chandigarh’s batting lineup struggled against Maharashtra’s bowling attack, particularly left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal, who returned an impressive six-wicket haul to bundle out the opposition for 209. The disciplined bowling effort set up Maharashtra’s strong position before Shaw’s fireworks sealed the contest.
Shaw’s form has been on an upward trajectory in recent months. He scored a composed 76 in Maharashtra’s tournament opener against Kerala and impressed in the Buchi Babu red-ball tournament earlier this year, registering scores of 111 and 66. His current performances mark a strong comeback after an inconsistent run in franchise cricket.
Gaikwad, too, has been enjoying a fine return to form after missing IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. The 28-year-old scored 184 runs in the Duleep Trophy for West Zone before carrying that momentum into the Ranji season. He began the campaign with 91 and an unbeaten 55 against Kerala, and followed his first-innings ton against Chandigarh with a steady 36 not out to guide Maharashtra home.
By sharing his Player of the Match award, Gaikwad not only recognized Shaw’s outstanding contribution but also underscored the team-first culture that has defined his leadership. It was a moment that celebrated both individual brilliance and collective spirit — hallmarks of Maharashtra’s promising Ranji campaign.
