Indian batter Prithvi Shaw’s return to competitive action appears far off in a cricket story that has been developing since August of last year. The 24-year-old had raised expectations for a comeback in the current Ranji Trophy after missing out on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Shaw has started hitting again at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), but his return is not yet authorized. A person with close knowledge of the cricket player said that Prithvi Shaw has been attending the NCA for several months, carefully adhering to rehabilitation procedures.
“Prithvi Shaw has been undergoing treatment and adhering to all the rehabilitation protocols for several months now while residing in the NCA.
He is undoubtedly batting regularly in the nets, but he is still a long way from being cleared to return to competitive cricket. It appears quite improbable that he would participate in the Ranji Trophy at this time,” a person close to the cricket player stated, as reported by News 18.
The insider emphasized how unlikely it is that the NCA will approve Prithvi Shaw’s direct participation in the Ranji Trophy. The cautious approach is intended to avoid any possible problems during his lengthy recuperation. Shaw will be reintroduced in a condensed version to give the body enough time to go through intense training and match simulations.
“It is quite doubtful that the NCA will approve of direct Ranji Trophy play. It’s a safer course of action to have him return in a more condensed style since nobody wants to see him break down after such a lengthy rehab program. The source continued, “By then, there will be enough time to subject the body to high-intensity drills and match simulations.”
Mumbai, Shaw’s home team, is currently in a holding pattern. The chairman of the men’s senior selection committee, Raju Kulkarni, emphasizes the need to follow protocol when a player is making a comeback from an extended layoff due to injury.
The story continues as cricket fans eagerly await the explosive batsman’s comeback, with Mumbai supporters crossing their fingers for the final approval that would allow Prithvi Shaw to rejoin the game.