Teenage sensation Shaw was named in India’s squad for the final two Tests in England but did not get to make his debut in a series which the visitor lost 1-4. He made a dream debut against the West Indies in the series opener, scoring a sublime 134 and, becoming the youngest Indian to reach three figures in his maiden appearance.

“It was captain and coach’s decision (of when to give me a game). I was ready in England as well but finally got the opportunity here,” said the soft-spoken youngster.

“But it was a great experience in England. They made me feel really comfortable. Virat bhai told me there is no senior or junior in the team. It was nice sharing the dressing room with players who have played international cricket for more than five years. Everyone is a friend now.”

He was expectedly nervous before the game but getting to spend time with his senior teammates during the England series helped him approach his debut like “any other game”. His first runs came off his typical back-foot punch and he never looked back from there, playing a top-quality innings comprising 19 fours.

“I was nervous at the start but settled down after I timed a few nicely. After that, I didn’t feel the pressure that I felt at the start of the innings. I like to dominate bowlers and that is what I was trying to do, waiting for the loose balls,” he said. Having scored a hundred on Ranji and Duleep Trophy debut, Shaw did the same at the highest level. When asked, Shaw was modest about rising to the occasion time and again.

“I don’t know how I manage but whenever go in the middle, I try to play to the merit of the ball and even in this game I went in with the same mindset. I did not try anything new thinking it is my first Test. Played the same way I have played for India A and in domestic cricket. 

“Having said that, there is a lot of difference when you compare international cricket with the U-19 and domestic cricket. They come up with a lot of strategies in international cricket. You face bowlers with a lot more pace. Sometimes you face serious pace in domestic cricket but here, there is a lot more variety and experience,” added Shaw.

The year could not have turned out better for Shaw, who led India to the U-19 World Cup title in New Zealand, made his IPL debut before finally getting his big break. He dedicated the hundred to his father, who raised him as a single parent after his mother passed way when he was just four.

“I never thought of making my India debut right after the U-19 win. I took it match by match. It finally happened. I dedicate this innings to my father. He has made a lot of sacrifice for me. I cannot even describe it now. I was thinking about my dad, as he has sacrificed a lot for me. Whenever I scored a hundred I thought of him and this is my first Test hundred, it’s all for him.”