Prithvi Shaw back on track. The ace batter has changed states and will be playing for Maharashtra rather than Mumbai. The decision has already begun to bear fruit. Playing in the Buchi Babu Tournament, Prithvi made a hundred against Chhattisgarh and went on to add a half-century against TNCA President's XI. Prithvi is not the only one who is glad. Maharashtra selector Akshay Darekar is over the moon to have a quality batter like him in the squad. The former left-arm bowler believes the 25-year-old has gone back to the style that once made him one of the most thrilling prospects on the planet. Having been criticized for poor fitness and his poor work ethic, Prithvi has promised to become the best version of himself once more. Here is what Darekar told mid-Day: “Prithvi is on the right track. There was never an issue with his batting. He is focused and keen to make a statement with his bat. He is completely committed to his fitness too and has been doing his training drills religiously,” Also Read | Top 10 Upcoming Fast Bowlers in India Maharashtra desire Prithvi to assist them in reaching their initial Ranji Trophy semifinals in over a decade. It isn't as if there is no competition with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sachin Dhas, and Arshin Kulkarni around. But perhaps the inclusion of Prithvi is what Maharashtra requires. It would also be a personal vindication for the belligerent opener, whose reputation has been tarnished for reasons other than cricket. “We know he always likes to play aggressively and dominate the opposition. And he batted the same way in his first two matches for Maharashtra at the Buchi Babu Tournament. His class was evident in both those knocks. He is hungry to score big runs. The target is to help Maharashtra reach the Ranji knockouts through his strong performances. "The more he performs, the better it will be, not just for our team but also for him, as he can achieve his individual goals too. He realises that this upcoming season will be crucial for him and he wants to make it count,” he added. Prithvi Shaw's switch to Maharashtra is a new chapter in his life, a new hope not only for the team but also for his own redemption. With other young guns around him, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sachin Dhas, and Arshin Kulkarni, Shaw could be the much-needed catalyst to kick-start Maharashtra out of their wait for so many years for a Ranji Trophy semifinal spot. More significantly, this trip provides Shaw an opportunity to salvage his reputation and remind the world of what exceptional talent he has.