Prithvi Shaw Recalls Iconic 2011 World Cup Memory with Arjun Tendulkar

The 2011 Cricket World Cup final is engraved in the minds of millions of Indians, especially those who saw India win after 28 long years. Among those lucky enough to be at Wankhede Stadium that day was a young Prithvi Shaw, who was just 11 years old then. Shaw, along with his friend Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, watched history unfold as India lifted the coveted trophy.

Reflecting on the day, speaking ahead of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Shaw shared the impact the 2011 final has had on his life.

A Friendship That Spans Generations

Recalling the unforgettable moment, Shaw said, “My first memory that I remember, and it’s for the rest of my life, was when I came here to watch the 2011 World Cup. I was 11 at that time. Me and Arjun Tendulkar, my friend, we both sat here and watched that game live.” Shaw described the moment of India lifting the trophy as a vivid memory that has stayed with him throughout his cricket journey.

Shaw’s memories are also a reminder of a big association with Arjun, the son of a cricketing legend, who witnessed the match. Even though Arjun did not see any action during the final match, the affinity between the two that day remained a part of Shaw’s debut cricketing years.

From World Cup to U19 Glory

Although ups and downs followed Shaw’s career, his affinity towards that historic day never changed. Shaw, an eye-witness to Sachin Tendulkar’s emotionally lifted World Cup, later went on to lead the team to the victory of a World Cup: the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup. Under the captaincy of Shaw, the team won the U19 World Cup. Young faces such as Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh found a place within the team for this win under Shaw’s guidance.

Despite the glory of leading India to a junior title, Shaw has faced challenges in his career. Over the past months, Shaw has struggled with consistency, with indiscipline often cited as a reason for his drop from Mumbai’s domestic teams. In addition, the 2025 IPL auction saw Shaw go unsold, adding to his recent disappointments.

Cricketing Journey of Arjun Tendulkar

While Shaw continues navigating his career’s challenges, Arjun Tendulkar has carved his way on the domestic stage for Goa. The boy who sat next to Shaw at Wankhede during the World Cup in 2011 is now busy making his way on the cricketing field himself.

As Shaw and Arjun continue to tread the cricketing path, their bond, cemented by memories and experiences, will be a constant reminder of the magic that the 2011 World Cup final created for future generations of cricketers.