Prithvi Shaw’s much-anticipated debut for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy couldn’t have gone worse. The former India opener was dismissed for a golden duck as Maharashtra’s top order collapsed dramatically to 5/4 against Kerala on the opening day of their 2025–26 season campaign . What was meant to be a fresh start in domestic cricket quickly turned into a crisis, leaving fans and analysts questioning the timing and impact of his team switch.
Table of Contents
- Disastrous Start: Maharashtra Reels at 5/4
- Prithvi Shaw’s Debut Duck: Hopes Dashed
- Gaikwad and Saxena Stage Gritty Recovery
- What’s Next for Shaw and Maharashtra?
Disastrous Start: Maharashtra Reels at 5/4
The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur witnessed a shocking collapse on Day 1 of Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy opener. Kerala’s new-ball bowlers—led by left-arm pacer Sijomon Joseph and off-spinner S. Sharath—ripped through the batting lineup with surgical precision. Four wickets fell for just five runs, silencing a home crowd that had hoped for a strong start to the season .
The early carnage included the departures of both openers and two top-order batsmen before the team could even settle. At one point, the scoreboard read a grim 5/4—a nightmare scenario for any team, let alone one banking on star power.
Prithvi Shaw’s Debut Duck: Hopes Dashed
All eyes were on Prithvi Shaw, who recently switched from Delhi to Maharashtra in a high-profile domestic transfer. Billed as a game-changer for the state side, Shaw walked in with expectations sky-high. But his stay at the crease lasted just a few deliveries. Caught behind off Sharath’s second over, Shaw trudged back without troubling the scorers—his first-ball dismissal marking a disastrous start to his Maharashtra journey .
This wasn’t just any duck—it was a symbolic stumble for a player once hailed as the “next big thing” in Indian cricket. At 25, Shaw is fighting to revive his career after inconsistent performances and off-field distractions. His move to Maharashtra was seen as a reset button. Instead, Day 1 delivered a harsh reality check.
Gaikwad and Saxena Stage Gritty Recovery
Amid the early chaos, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena steadied the ship with a composed 76-run partnership. Gaikwad, fresh off IPL success and national duty, showed why he’s considered one of India’s most reliable batters in red-ball cricket. Saxena, playing his usual anchor role, provided crucial support.
By lunch, Maharashtra had clawed back to 81/5—a far cry from the early collapse but still a precarious position against a disciplined Kerala attack. The recovery offered a glimmer of hope, but the damage from the top-order implosion may prove decisive in a low-scoring contest.
Maharashtra’s Top-Order Collapse: Key Moments
| Batsman | Runs | How Out | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankit Bawne | 0 | LBW | Sijomon Joseph |
| Prithvi Shaw | 0 | Caught behind | S. Sharath |
| Shivam Dube | 2 | Bowled | Sijomon Joseph |
| Nikhil Naik | 1 | Caught at slip | S. Sharath |
What’s Next for Shaw and Maharashtra?
For Prithvi Shaw, redemption must come with the bat in the second innings—or not at all. With selectors watching domestic performances closely ahead of India’s upcoming Test series, every run (or lack thereof) carries weight. Maharashtra’s management will hope this debut disaster is a one-off, not a sign of deeper struggles.
As for the match, Kerala holds the early advantage. If their bowlers maintain pressure and the pitch continues to assist spin, Maharashtra could find themselves playing catch-up for the rest of the game.