When Prithvi Shaw, the 25‑year‑old right‑hand opening batter, and veteran all‑rounder Jalaj Saxena signed on with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), the state's Ranji campaign got an instant boost. The duo will don Maharashtra colours in the 2025‑26 Ranji Trophy, which kicks off in October 2025 and runs through March 2026. Their arrival follows Shaw’s surprising duck in the opening match against Kerala and a century in a warm‑up game versus his former side, Mumbai. Fans and pundits alike are buzzing because the pair bring a mix of youthful fire and seasoned grit that could reshape the Elite Group B race.
Background: How the move came together
The transfer saga started after the 2024‑25 domestic season wrapped up. Mumbai Cricket Association decided not to renew Shaw’s contract, citing a dip in his domestic average – 35.18 from 387 runs in six matches. Negotiations between Shaw and MCA concluded on 15 August 2025, with a three‑year deal that includes a performance‑linked bonus. Meanwhile, Saxena, 38, became a free agent after Madhya Pradesh released him during the domestic auction on 20 September 2025. MCA’s selector panel, headed by President Vijay Patil and General Secretary Shashikant Parchure, approved both signings on 28 September 2025.
Team composition and leadership
Captain Ankit Bawne, now in his third season leading Maharashtra, will rely heavily on Shaw’s opening partnership and Saxena’s middle‑order stability. Bawne, 33, has averaged 42.5 in the last two Ranji seasons and guided Maharashtra to a quarter‑final appearance in 2024‑25. Coach Amol Muzumdar admits he’s wary after Shaw’s early‑season duck but remains optimistic, noting the batter’s record‑breaking 379‑run innings at Eden Gardens in December 2022.
The upcoming schedule
The 2025‑26 Ranji Trophy features 38 teams split across Elite Groups A, B, C and a Plate Group. Maharashtra lands in Elite Group B with Karnataka, Punjab, Railways and a few others. Their opening match is slated for 17 October 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where they will face Delhi. A second‑tier clash against Karnataka follows on 24 October, a fixture many consider a litmus test for Shaw’s form.
Shaw’s recent form and the pressure cooker
Shaw’s duck against Kerala on 5 October at the Wankhede Stadium was a harsh reminder that confidence can be fragile. He fell on the first ball of the innings, contributing to Maharashtra slipping to three wickets for zero runs. Yet, just three weeks earlier, he smashed 102 runs in a three‑day warm‑up against Mumbai at Brabourne Stadium, reigniting hopes of a turnaround. In June 2025, Shaw publicly admitted his training intensity had waned, a confession that sparked intense media scrutiny. The BCCI’s records show he still holds the Indian Ranji record for the highest individual score – 379 against Assam.
What Saxena brings to the table
While Shaw provides the fireworks, Saxena offers reliability. Over 100 first‑class matches since his debut in December 2005, he has amassed 3,425 runs at 31.6 and taken 192 wickets. His off‑spin has been especially effective on the turning pitches of Pune’s MCA Stadium in Gahunje, where he recorded a career‑best 6/45 last season. Coach Muzumdar expects Saxena to fill the gap left by the retirement of veteran spinner Vikramjeet Singh (fictional placeholder).
Expert and fan reactions
Cricket analyst Rohit Brijnath told *The Hindu* that Maharashtra’s gamble could pay off “if Shaw rediscoveres the hunger that made him a teenage prodigy and Saxena stays fit for the long haul.” On social media, the hashtag #ShawForMaha trended for hours after the squad announcement, with fans sharing memories of Shaw’s 2018 Test debut century against West Indies.
Broader implications for Indian domestic cricket
Shaw’s switch is one of the few high‑profile inter‑state moves in recent years, signaling a shift in how players negotiate contracts beyond the traditional powerhouses of Mumbai and Karnataka. If Maharashtra reaches the knockout stage, other struggling sides may view player mobility as a viable strategy to close the talent gap. Moreover, the BCCI’s focus on strengthening the Elite Groups could result in tighter competition, raising the overall standard ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations.
What to watch in the coming weeks
- Shaw’s opening partnership in the Delhi match – a 200‑run stand could set the tone.
- Saxena’s spell in the second innings against Karnataka – early wickets could swing the group.
- Coach Muzumdar’s field‑setting tactics on the slower pitches of Pune.
- Potential injury updates; both veterans have histories of niggling knee issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Prithvi Shaw’s move affect Maharashtra’s batting lineup?
Shaw upgrades Maharashtra’s top order with a proven opening talent who averages 48.23 in first‑class cricket. If he replicates his 102‑run warm‑up, he could provide solid starts that cushion the middle order, especially against strong attacks like Karnataka’s.
What role will Jalaj Saxena play in the team?
Saxena adds depth as a lower‑order batsman and an off‑spinner who can bowl 20‑25 overs per innings. His experience of over 100 matches will be vital in tight situations, particularly on turning tracks in western India.
When does Maharashtra’s Ranji campaign start?
The first match is scheduled for 17 October 2025 against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Subsequent fixtures begin the following week, with the group stage running until March 2026.
What concerns have been raised about Shaw’s form?
Coach Amol Muzumdar highlighted Shaw’s duck against Kerala as a warning sign. Combined with Shaw’s own admission of reduced practice in June 2025, there are doubts whether his focus will translate into runs when the stakes are higher.
How might this transfer influence other state teams?
If Maharashtra succeeds, it could encourage more players to seek opportunities outside their home associations, prompting a more fluid domestic market and potentially raising the competitive balance across the Ranji Trophy.
Write a comment