Prithvi Shaw Maharashtra captain for SMAT 2025
Leadership Change Ahead of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025
Prithvi Shaw has officially been appointed captain of the Maharashtra team for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. The decision comes after previous skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was selected for India’s ODI squad for the South Africa series, making him unavailable for most of the SMAT league stage. So let’s know about Prithvi Shaw Maharashtra captain for SMAT 2025.
Gaikwad was initially named captain when Maharashtra announced their 16-member squad last week. However, no vice-captain was designated at the time—allowing a smooth transition once the national recall was confirmed.
Maharashtra Selection Committee Confirms Shaw
The leadership switch was approved on Monday by the Maharashtra selection committee, led by former spinner Akshay Darekar. The decision was taken collectively in consultation with Shaun Williams, director of cricket and head coach of Maharashtra’s senior team.
Prithvi Shaw is no stranger to captaincy responsibilities. He famously led India to the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup title, defeating Australia in the final. His strong performances at youth level fast-tracked his rise to India A and then to the senior national squad within the same year.
Shaw’s Recent Career Journey
Despite his bright early reputation, Shaw’s career has faced hurdles in recent seasons. He last appeared for India in 2021 and went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, leaving him without a franchise contract. Additionally, he was dropped twice from the Mumbai domestic squad during the 2024–25 season.
As a result, Shaw moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season in search of new opportunities and consistent playing time.
Strong Domestic Form Offers Hope
Shaw has responded to recent challenges with strong performances in the Ranji Trophy. He has amassed 470 runs in seven innings, including a double century and three fifties, averaging an impressive 67.14. Maharashtra will expect him to carry this form into SMAT 2025 and guide the team deep into the competition.
The opener also boasts solid List-A numbers, having scored 3,399 runs with 10 centuries, 14 half-centuries and two double hundreds.
Maharashtra Placed in Competitive Group
Maharashtra will compete in Group B alongside Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Goa. All group matches are scheduled to be held in Kolkata. Maharashtra begin their campaign on November 26 against Jammu & Kashmir and wrap up league action on December 8 against Goa.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP