Cricket in India has always had a magical way of producing young prodigies who capture the imagination of fans. From Sachin Tendulkar in the 1990s to Virat Kohli in the 2000s, each generation gets a cricketer who feels destined for greatness. For the 2010s, that name was Prithvi Shaw.
Often described as “the boy wonder” of Indian cricket, Shaw’s career has been a mix of dazzling highs, testing lows, and the promise of much more to come. If you’ve ever wondered about his stats, achievements, or what lies ahead for him, this deep dive is for you.
Let’s break down Prithvi Shaw’s profile, age, career stats, and records—and why he remains one of the most exciting players to watch.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Prithvi Pankaj Shaw
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Date of Birth: November 9, 1999 (25 years old)
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Birthplace: Thane, Maharashtra, India
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Role: Specialist Batsman
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Batting Style: Right-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak (rarely used)
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Country: India
Prithvi Shaw’s story has often been compared to a movie script. Born in Thane, Maharashtra, his cricket journey began at a very young age. By the time he was a teenager, he was already breaking school cricket records, including his iconic 546-run knock in a Harris Shield match, which put him on the national radar.
The Rise of a Teenage Prodigy
Shaw’s natural timing, fearless stroke play, and ability to dominate bowlers drew comparisons with the great Sachin Tendulkar. In fact, Shaw captained India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning team, a moment that cemented his status as the next big thing in Indian cricket.
That same year, Shaw made his Test debut against the West Indies, where he scored a sparkling 134 runs, becoming the youngest Indian to hit a Test century on debut. Fans and experts alike began calling him the “next Virender Sehwag” for his attacking style at the top of the order.
Prithvi Shaw’s International Career Stats
Let’s look at Shaw’s numbers across different formats:
Test Matches
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Matches: 5
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Innings: 9
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Runs: 339
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Highest Score: 134
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Average: 42.38
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Strike Rate: 86.05
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50s/100s: 2/1
Highlight: His Test debut century (134 vs West Indies in 2018) remains his career-defining knock to date.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
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Matches: 6
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Innings: 6
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Runs: 189
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Highest Score: 49
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Average: 31.50
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Strike Rate: 113.86
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50s/100s: 0/0
Highlight: Despite limited chances, Shaw’s strike rate shows he’s capable of explosive starts in ODIs.
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
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Matches: 1
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Innings: 1
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Runs: 0
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Average: 0
Highlight: Shaw’s T20I career hasn’t taken off yet, with only one appearance against Sri Lanka in 2021.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 79
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Runs: 1892
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Highest Score: 99
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Average: 23.95
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Strike Rate: 147.47
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50s: 14
Highlight: Known for his aggressive starts, Shaw has given Delhi Capitals (DC) many powerplay advantages with blistering knocks.
Why Fans Love Watching Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw is one of those players you can’t ignore when he’s on the field. Here’s why:
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Explosive Starts: Shaw often attacks bowlers from ball one, setting the tone in powerplays.
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Fearless Approach: He doesn’t shy away from playing his shots, even against the best bowlers.
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Elegant Technique: His cover drives and cuts remind fans of classic Indian batting.
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X-Factor in IPL: His partnerships with openers like Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner have lit up the tournament.
The Challenges Along the Way
Like many young stars, Shaw’s career hasn’t been without hurdles:
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Injuries: Repeated fitness concerns have kept him out of the squad at crucial moments.
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Form Dips: Inconsistency has led to him being dropped from the Indian side.
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Off-field Issues: Disciplinary matters and scrutiny over his lifestyle have occasionally overshadowed his cricket.
These challenges have sparked debates about whether Shaw can fully realize his early promise. However, at just 25 years old, time is still on his side.
Career Milestones You Should Know
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Youngest Indian to score a Test century on debut (134 vs West Indies, 2018).
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Captain of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018.
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Record-breaking 546 runs in a school cricket match.
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Regular feature for Delhi Capitals in IPL, with several explosive knocks.
Prithvi Shaw’s Bowling Stats
While he’s primarily a batsman, here’s a quick look at his bowling across formats (though he’s rarely used):
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Tests/ODIs/T20Is: 0 wickets (hasn’t bowled in internationals).
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IPL: 0 wickets (not used as a bowler).
Clearly, Shaw’s contribution comes almost entirely from his batting.
Career Information Timeline
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Test Debut: October 4, 2018, vs West Indies (Rajkot)
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Last Test: December 17, 2020, vs Australia (Adelaide Oval)
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ODI Debut: February 5, 2020, vs New Zealand (Hamilton)
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Last ODI: July 23, 2021, vs Sri Lanka (Colombo)
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T20I Debut: July 25, 2021, vs Sri Lanka (Colombo)
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IPL Debut: April 23, 2018, for Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings
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Last IPL Match: April 29, 2024, vs Kolkata Knight Riders
What the Future Holds for Prithvi Shaw
The big question around Shaw is: Can he make a strong comeback into India’s national team?
With competition from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, breaking into the top order is tough. But his talent is undeniable. If Shaw can focus on fitness, consistency, and mental resilience, he still has the potential to become one of India’s premier openers in limited-overs cricket.
In the IPL, his role remains vital. Teams value his ability to score 30–40 quick runs at the start, which often shifts momentum.
Also Read : Glenn Maxwell Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Conclusion: Why Prithvi Shaw’s Story Matters
Prithvi Shaw represents the hope and heartbreak that comes with cricket’s youngest stars. He’s already delivered unforgettable moments, but fans are hungry for more. His journey reminds us that talent can open doors, but discipline and consistency keep them open.
At just 25, Shaw’s cricketing story is far from over. Whether he goes on to become one of India’s greats or stays a case of unfulfilled potential depends on the choices he makes from here. One thing is certain: whenever Shaw walks out to bat, cricket fans everywhere will be watching.
