Prithvi Shaw to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as Maharashtra captain for SMAT

Prithvi Shaw is set to lead Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league phase, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been recalled to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.

He was named captain on Friday when the Maharashtra selection committee — chaired by former left-arm spinner Akshay Darekar — announced the 16-member squad. Notably, the squad did not include a designated vice-captain.

On Sunday, multiple sources within the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Shaw will be elevated to captaincy once Gaikwad departs. The selectors and team management had already sounded out Shaw about taking over the leadership if required, and the opener had been advised to be prepared for the role.

An official announcement regarding Shaw’s elevation and Gaikwad’s replacement is expected on Monday. The captaincy comes as a timely boost for Shaw as he aims to draw the attention of Indian Premier League franchises ahead of next month’s auction.

Shaw moved to Maharashtra at the start of the season after being dropped from Mumbai’s squads last year. He has been in red-hot form in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 470 runs in seven innings — including a double-century and three half-centuries — at an impressive average of 67.14.

Maharashtra has been drawn in a challenging Group B, alongside Jammu & Kashmir, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Goa. The team will play all its league matches in Kolkata.