Prithvi Shaw will be seen in Maharashtra colours for the first time when the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament begins in Chennai on August 18. The 17-member squad, led by Ankit Bawne, marks a new chapter for the opener, who had earlier represented Mumbai.
Shaw switched sides last month after receiving a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association, following his omission from their Ranji Trophy squad last season due to fitness and conduct issues.
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The tournament runs until September 9, giving Shaw a chance to get match time ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad returns after IPL 2025 injury
Maharashtra also welcome back Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been out of competitive cricket since an elbow injury cut short his IPL 2025 campaign. His last match came during a warm-up fixture for India A before the Test series in England.
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This will be Gaikwad’s first full game since the setback, though his participation might be brief. Both he and wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale are expected to leave after Maharashtra’s opening match to join West Zone for the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, starting September 4.
Other players to follow in Buchi Babu Invitational 2025
The Buchi Babu will also see Mumbai entering with a young side captained by Ayush Mhatre, the 18-year-old who impressed during India Under-19’s tour of England and shone for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
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Sarfaraz Khan is back for Mumbai alongside his brother Musheer Khan, who has recovered from a neck fracture sustained in a road accident last year. Musheer’s only appearance since his recovery came in IPL 2025’s Qualifier 1 for Punjab Kings.