Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian centurion since Sachin Tendulkar the last time a Test match was played in Rajkot
As India gears up to face England in the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium, memories of the previous encounters at the venue resurface, particularly the memorable debut of Prithvi Shaw.
The SCA Stadium has hosted only two Test matches thus far, with the first encounter between India and England ending in a draw back in November 2016. However, it was the second Test match at this venue, against the West Indies in October 2018, that etched itself into the annals of Indian cricket history.
Prithvi Shaw, making his international debut, stole the spotlight with a breathtaking performance. Opening the innings alongside KL Rahul, Shaw announced his arrival in style by smashing 134 runs off just 154 balls. His century on debut made him the youngest Indian Test centurion on debut and the second youngest in the team’s history, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
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Partnering with Cheteshwar Pujara, Shaw contributed significantly to a partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket, with his aggressive strokeplay setting the tone for India’s dominance. Despite Shaw’s eventual dismissal, India continued their onslaught, with captain Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant showcasing their batting prowess.
Kohli’s 139, combined with crucial contributions from Rahane, Pant, and Jadeja, propelled India to a formidable total of 649/9 before declaring their innings. The West Indies, in response, faltered under pressure, succumbing to India’s bowling attack led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav.
Ashwin’s four-wicket haul in the first innings and Yadav’s five-wicket haul in the second dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, while Jadeja chipped in with three crucial wickets. The visitors were bundled out for 181 and 196, handing India their largest-ever Test victory against the West Indies, by an innings and 272 runs.
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Shaw’s scintillating debut earned him the Player of the Match accolade and ignited hopes of a promising career ahead. Despite his early success, Shaw’s journey in international cricket has encountered hurdles, with limited appearances for the national team since his debut. While he continues to impress in domestic cricket, a return to the Indian team remains uncertain for the 24-year-old at present.
As India prepares to take on England in the upcoming Test match, fans reminisce about Shaw’s unforgettable debut and hope for his resurgence on the international stage.
