Prithvi Shaw, once the poster boy of Indian cricket, has recently opened up about the factors that contributed to the slump in his career. In a candid interview, the 25-year-old batsman admitted to making poor decisions, getting distracted, and losing focus on the game. Shaw's revelations come at a time when he is seeking a fresh start, having obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to represent another state in the upcoming domestic season.
Shaw's career trajectory took off in 2018 when he made a remarkable Test debut, scoring a century against the West Indies. His aggressive batting style and immense talent led to comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Virender Sehwag. However, the young cricketer failed to live up to the expectations, and his form gradually declined. He was eventually dropped from the national team and even faced rejection in the IPL 2025 auction, where no franchise showed interest in acquiring his services.
Reflecting on his downfall, Shaw acknowledged that he deviated from the disciplined routine that had initially propelled him to success. He confessed to reducing his practice hours and getting involved in unnecessary activities. "I have taken some wrong decisions in life. I feel that I started giving less time to cricket," Shaw stated. "I used to spend almost half of my day at the ground till 2023. But after that, I started giving importance to the wrong things."
One of the key factors that led Shaw astray was his association with the wrong crowd. As he gained fame and recognition, he attracted many new friends, some of whom had a negative influence on him. "I made some wrong friends. At that time, I was at the top, and this is the time when you attract a lot of friends," Shaw explained. "I got off-track, and my time at the ground went down from 8 hours to just 4 hours."
In addition to external distractions, Shaw also faced personal challenges that affected his mental state. The passing away of his grandfather, who was very dear to him, took a toll on his emotional well-being. "There are a lot of things. It's not just that. I had a family problem. My grandfather had passed away. He was very dear to me," Shaw revealed.
Despite the setbacks and criticisms, Shaw remains determined to revive his career. He has gone back to basics, focusing on his fitness and honing his skills. He has also sought a change of environment, leaving Mumbai to play for another state, reportedly Maharashtra, in the upcoming domestic season. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but emphasized that a move was necessary for his growth.
Shaw's decision to leave Mumbai and his honest self-assessment reflect his willingness to learn from his mistakes and make a fresh start. While he acknowledges that he has a long road ahead, he is confident in his abilities and committed to working hard to regain his place in the Indian cricket team.
Even during his low phase, Shaw found support from unexpected corners. He revealed that Rishabh Pant and Sachin Tendulkar were among the few prominent cricketers who reached out to him during his struggles. Their encouragement and guidance motivated him to stay positive and keep striving for improvement.
As Prithvi Shaw embarks on a new chapter in his career, he carries with him the lessons learned from his past experiences. With a renewed focus, a strong support system, and unwavering determination, he aims to prove his critics wrong and reclaim his status as one of India's most promising cricketers.
