Indian batsman Prithvi Shaw has spoken about his return to competitive cricket after a long injury. He said that he was not sure if he would be able to return and that he had a strange feeling when he resumed batting.

The long wait was finally over as Prithvi Shaw returned to competitive cricket after six long months. He battled a knee injury during a county season with Northamptonshire and has been out of action since, missing much cricket in India.

After months of workouts and recovery, Prithvi Shaw returned to the Ranji Trophy. But he didn’t have the kind of outing he would have wanted in the first game. He managed only 35 runs in the match against Bengal, but made sure to prove his worth in the next match.

Prithvi Shaw played a stellar innings against Chattisgarh and announced his arrival on the big stage in style. The batsman scored 159 runs in 185 balls, hitting 18 fours and three sixes in his innings. His hit put the team in a dominant position and, even more, took the monkey off their backs.

Prithvi Shaw wondered whether he could return on a good note or not. But after spending some time at the crease, things became normal for him. Speaking to Indian Express after his knock against Chattisgarh, he explained:

“I wanted to do well, but at some point I wondered if I would be able to bat with my style or not. Kaise kheloonga (how I will play), when I will return and whether it will be with a good score or not. These were the thoughts that were going around. But after staying a few hours, everything went back to normal.”

“I wasn’t nervous but the feeling was a bit ajeeb – Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw added that he was nervous when he resumed batting but was confident and believed he would do well. He also added that he is not focused on the future because he wants to do his best for the team. He added:

“I was not nervous but the feeling was a bit ajeeb (strange) when I resumed my batting. However, I did a match simulation and I motivated myself to think that everything will be fine. My body language was fine. I don’t think too far ahead and I want to stay in the present.

“There are no expectations, I am happy to be playing cricket again. I just came back from an injury and I just want to do my best. My goal is to win the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and I am trying to achieve that by contributing as much as I can in the future.”

Prithvi Shaw would now hope to score runs consistently for the team and also claim his share in the Indian team. The upcoming Indian Premier League will be vital for his return to the national team.