He came, he 'Shaw', he conquered: Twitterati laud Prithvi Shaw for his maiden Test ton on debut

Rajkot, Oct 4: Teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw lived up to the billings and hype as he notched up a superb century on his Test debut and became the youngest Indian player to do so.

He's the 15th Indian reach the triple-figure mark in his first Test match. The 18-year-old notched up his ton off just 99 deliveries and sent a clear signal in the cricketing circuit that he's going to be the next big thing in Indian cricket. The right-handed batsman played all kinds of strokes in his aggressive brand of game against West Indies here on Thursday (October 4).

Debut centurions for India" title="Teenage debutants for India | Debut centurions for India" />Teenage debutants for India | Debut centurions for India

Shaw made history early in the afternoon session when he punched Keemo Paul through the covers for two. Interestingly, Shaw's ton on his Ranji Trophy debut came at the same venue.

Shaw was given his chance at the top of the order at the expense of Shikhar Dhawan, who was dropped for the two-match series after struggling during the recent tour of England.

Shaw is the second-youngest Indian to reach three figures in the longest format, Sachin Tendulkar holding that record courtesy of his century against England in 1990 at the age of 17 years and 107 days.

Here's how Cricketers, experts, and celebrities reacted on Twitter on Shaw's century:

A century on Test Debut. A century of sheer dominance. As if he was playing his 100th Test and not first....well done, young man. Many more to come #PrithviShaw #IndvWI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 4, 2018

Aakash Chopra

This is what former India opener Aakash Chopra had to say on Shaw's century on his debut.

It’s been the Shaw show. Congratulations Prithvi Shaw, abhi toh bas shuruaat hai , ladke mein bahut dum hai #IndvWI pic.twitter.com/obEcSylvCV
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 4, 2018

Virender Sehwag

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag - who also slammed a ton on his Test debut - congratulated the young batsman.

Congratulations to Prithvi Shaw for a hundred on debut. Love the fact that he can score at a strike rate of 100 just batting instinctively without looking to over attack or by taking risks. 👏👏👏🙏#PrithviShaw
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2018

Sanjay Manjrekar

This is what former India and Mumbai cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar had to say on the young teenager's remarkable achievement.

Wow .. 18 yrs old @PrithviShaw .. Test 💯 on debut .. Looks like #India have another superstar that has arrived on the scene !!! #INDvWI
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 4, 2018

Michael Vaughan

This is what former England cricketer and captain Michael Vaughan had to say on Prithvi's maiden Test ton.

What a moment! 18 years of age, debuting for India's test cricket squad and scores a century! 💯 Well done Prithvi Shaw! #INDvWI @PrithviShaw
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 4, 2018

Harbhajan Singh

This is how veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh congratulated Shaw on his century.

He came, he ‘SHAW’ and he conquered..... congratulations @PrithviShaw whatta debut -what a knock. 💯 https://t.co/SkUyFkOz49
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 4, 2018

Riteish Deshmukh

This is what Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh commended the brilliant knock from the youngster.

What is better than making a debut? Smashing a century on debut! Congratulations and well played, @PrithviShaw! #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/TaBG856kAt
— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) October 4, 2018

Kidambi Srikanth

Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth also congratulated Prithvi Shaw for his innings.

Fantastic achievement by young #Prithvishaw Hundred on Debut and going strong,showing good temperament and positive approach #INDvsWI
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 4, 2018

Zaheer Khan

This is what former India pacer Zaheer Khan had to say on Shaw's debut.

@PrithviShaw lives up to his potential..& carves a niche fr himself..Crkt World will hear a lot of him;but so will the ‘experts’ get into an overdrive to scrutinise the kid’s pluses/minuses.! I’d just like debutant Test centurion to enjoy himself..& transport it on to the crowd!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) October 4, 2018

Bishan Bedi

This is how former India captain and coach Bishan Singh Bedi congratulated young Prithvi.

Lovely to see such an attacking knock in your first innings, @prithvishaw! Continue batting fearlessly. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/IIM2IifRAd
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 4, 2018

Sachin Tendulkar

This is how Prithvi Shaw's cricketing idol Sachin Tendulkar lauded the young Mumbaikar.

Fabulous innings from @PrithviShaw . What stood out for me was his temperament and that should keep him going irrespective of the opposition n conditions #INDvWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) October 4, 2018

Deep Das Gupta

This is what former India cricketer Deep Das Gupta had to say about Prithvi's knock.

Shaw what a show 💪 @PrithviShaw
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 4, 2018

Rohit Sharma

India cricketer Rohit Sharma - who was the last Indian to slam a ton on his debut Test - was also in awe of Shaw's innings.

Wonderful century on debut for Prithvi Shaw. Great to see a 18 year old go out and play his natural game. Got a bright future. #IndvWI pic.twitter.com/e86XPsg6ho
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 4, 2018

VVS Laxman

Very Very Special Laxman also had a word of praise for the debutant.

Prithvi Shaw facts today

- Youngest Indian to score 100 on Test debut

- 3rd fastest 100 on debut in Test history

- Second youngest Indian to open on Test debut

- 15th Indian to score 100 on Test debut#WonderKid #IndvWI
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 4, 2018

Some Stats

Here are some stats on Prithvi Shaw's knock.

Earlier in the day, the teenager became the youngest Indian to score a half-century on Test debut and steered the team to 133 for one at lunch on day one of the series-opener.

He was not facing one of the best attacks but the 18-year-old Shaw gave ample evidence of his brilliance in an unbeaten 75 off 74 balls.

Shaw, who became the 293rd cricketer to represent India in Tests, showed supreme confidence from ball one, on which he offered a watchful leave.

The youngster punched the second ball he faced towards the cover boundary for a three, his first runs in international cricket, easing whatever nerves were left inside him. Pacer Shannon Gabriel was clocking in the higher 140kph but that did not faze Shaw.

Shaw, however, continued batting with confidence and his first boundary came in the second over bowled by Keemo Paul, another back-foot punch towards the point boundary. He got more aggressive in Paul's following over, hitting him for three fours as the pacer was duly punished for bowling far too many loose deliveries.