Ranji Trophy: Prithvi Shaw delivers a solid knock of 222 runs against Chandigarh

India Test discard Prithvi Shaw hammered an attacking 156ball 222 29x4 5x6 for his new team Maharashtra against Chandigarh on Day Three of their Elite Group lsquoBrsquo Ranji Trophy match at the Sector 16 Stadium Chandigarh on MondayFormer Mumbai opener Shaw who moved to Maharashtra this season scored the second fastest double century to help his team declare their second innings at 3593 setting Chandigarh a target of 335 to win on the final day todayDominant knockMaharashtra chief selector Akshay Darekar who witnessed Shawrsquos innings at the venue lavished praise on the openerrsquos focus and intent ldquoIt Prithvirsquos innings was an extraordinary innings and we all enjoyed it thoroughly Itrsquos a superb knock he completely dominated the proceedingsrdquo Darekar told midday over the phone from Chandigarh on MondayAkshay DarekarWhen asked what he felt was special about the knock which saw Shaw reach the 200 milestone in just 141 balls surpassing Rahul Singhrsquos record of 202324 season Darekar a former India lsquoArsquo leftarm spinner said ldquoThe way Prithvi started yesterday on Sunday his aggression was the same right from Ball One today Monday There is this hunger for runs in his eyes He must have set some target for himself and we all felt that he was determined to achieve it He on 41 overnight and today he got to his hundred within the first hour and 15 minutesrdquoDarekar reckoned that Shawrsquos decision to play for his team is not just a big plus for Maharashtra but it will also help the player make his India comeback Shaw began this season with a duck and 75 against Kerala in the first gamelsquoMumbairsquos loss is our gainrsquoldquoIt happens sometimes that someonersquos Maharashtra profit is anotherrsquos Mumbai loss Prithvi has that talent and we have never doubted it He is on the right track both on and off the field If he continues the same approach he will be right up there again soon He wants to play at the highest level India again and he looks determined He is following all the processes like doing his gym work his fitness routines and everything else And after performing well here if he gets an opportunity to make his India comeback it will be great for Indian cricketrdquo added DarekarShaw 25 has represented the country in five Tests six ODIs and one T20I so farMaharashtrarsquos Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 116 in the first innings and Darekar felt both Gaikwad and Shaw may emerge as the seasonrsquos top rungetters ldquoI would like to speak for both Prithvi and Rutu Gaikwad Both are extremely focused and seem to be playing at another level to help the team win and score big runs for themselves at the same time If they both keep playing like this they will easily score 1000 runs or even more this seasonrdquo Darekar signed off29No of boundaries hit by Prithvi Shaw during his knock vs Chandigarh14231Prithvi Shawrsquos strike rate during his 222