Prithvi Shaw Set To Captain Maharashtra In SMAT 2025 After Gaikwad's India Selection: Reports

Prithvi Shaw has been appointed captain of the Maharashtra state team for the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), stepping in as Ruturaj Gaikwad will be unavailable for that portion of the tournament. As per reports in Sportstar, Shaw, who joined Maharashtra ahead of the current domestic season after leaving the Mumbai cricket team, will be handling the responsibility until the league phase of SMAT 2025.

Shaw requested and obtained a No-Objection Certificate to move from Mumbai to Maharashtra in mid-2025, citing the need for a fresh start and more opportunities. His arrival was seen as part of Maharashtra’s effort to refresh their batting line-up and leadership options.

Gaikwad, who had originally been named captain for the entire tournament, will still feature for the side but will hand over the responsibilities to Shaw for the initial phase. The move allows Maharashtra to manage their resources before Gaikwad joins in for the later stages of the competition.

As captain for the league stage, Shaw will aim to guide a squad that includes younger talent alongside established players. It will be his first major long-term leadership opportunity after doing it for India in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. The decision signals the association’s confidence in Shaw’s experience and leadership qualities following his domestic career with Mumbai and India’s U-19 successes.