Featuring in his second game after a six-month-long injury hiatus, Prithvi Shaw slammed a stunning century for Mumbai against Chhattisgarh in their Ranji Trophy Group B fixture in Raipur on Friday (February 9).

En route to his knock of 159 off 185 deliveries, Shaw took the Chhattisgarh bowling attack to the cleaners, hitting 18 boundaries and three sixes.

The swashbuckling opener notched up the three-figure mark before lunch. In the process, he became the first Indian to score two centuries in the opening session on Day 1 of a first-class match. He had achieved a similar feat against Assam during his 383-ball 379, which was the second-highest Ranji Trophy score of all time.

In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express, Shaw admitted that he was a bit anxious and pessimistic about his return to action. The right-hander feared whether he would be able to bat like he used to before his injury.

Notably, Shaw had sustained a knee injury in August 2023 while playing for Northamptonshire in the County Championship.

"I wanted to do well but somewhere I wondered whether I would be able to bat in my style or not. Kaise kheloonga (how will I play), when I would make a comeback and whether it will be on a good note or not. These were the thoughts which were going around. But after I stayed for a few hours, things became normal," Shaw said.

Prithvi Shaw further explained how doing the "match simulation" helped him overcome the strange feeling.

"I wasn't nervous but the feeling was a bit ajeeb (strange) when I resumed my batting. However, I did a match simulation and was motivating myself that everything will be fine. My body language was fine," he added.

While his century has sparked a discussion regarding his possible return to the Test side, Shaw mentioned that he is not thinking too far ahead and is currently focused on helping Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy.

"I'm not thinking too far off and want to stay in the present. There is no expectation, I'm happy that I'm back playing cricket. I have just come back after injury and just want to give my best. My aim is to win the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and I'm trying to achieve that by contributing as much as I can going ahead," he remarked.