Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Shaw said, "It's an honour to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Five years ago when we reached the final, he [Pandit] was our coach and now playing against his team will be a challenge. I made my debut in that season and now I want to bring that trophy home."

Before the showdown, Shaw got an opportunity to speak to his former coach and reflected upon it. "It was good to see him after a long time. He has done well with Madhya Pradesh and I would like to congratulate him and his team. We spoke only for a couple of minutes. I guess we both are trying to get into the zone before the final."

"I am really proud of this team. The way they have worked hard in the league stage as well as before it [is commendable]," he said. "They just have to go there and enjoy. My message to all the young guys is to look at this like another U-19 or U-25 game and try to give your 100%. For me results don't matter, the effort that you put in is important. They just have to keep doing what they have done in all these years."

"I have scored a couple of fifties but that's not enough for me, for sure," he said. "No one even congratulates me after scoring a fifty so that made me feel bad as well (laughs). It happens sometimes but I am glad that my team is doing well."

"It is nowhere near my mind," he said. "Right now winning the trophy is my main motive. I am not thinking about anything else. I am not focusing on anything going on outside."