Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as the next big thing in Indian cricket, has recently opened up about the factors that contributed to the derailment of his promising career. In a candid interview, the 25-year-old batsman revealed the detrimental impact of "wrong friends," distractions, and a shift in priorities that led to his decline both on and off the field. Shaw also spoke about the support he received from fellow cricketer Rishabh Pant during his low phase.

Shaw, who burst onto the scene with a century on his Test debut in 2018, quickly drew comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn due to lapses in discipline and fitness. Last year Shaw did not receive a bid in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was unsold and later, no franchise even picked him as a replacement player despite a plethora of injuries across several teams. From being dropped by Mumbai for poor fitness to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the downturn was steep and public.

In the interview, Shaw admitted to making poor choices and losing focus on cricket. "There are a lot of things. It is different for people to see. Because I know what has happened. I can understand it. I have taken a lot of wrong decisions in life," Shaw confessed. He acknowledged that he started dedicating less time to cricket, which had always been his passion. "I used to practice a lot. For example, I used to bat for 3-4 hours in nets. I never got tired of batting. I used to go to the ground for half a day. I admit that there was a distraction."

Shaw further elaborated on how he fell into the trap of prioritizing things that were not essential. "After that, I started considering what was not necessary as necessary. I made some wrong friends. Because I was at the top at that time. Friendship is also formed. Then they took me here and there. All those things. Then I got away from the track. I used to give 8 hours of practice on the ground. Now it is 4 hours," he added.

The Mumbai-based cricketer also revealed the emotional impact of his grandfather's death. "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. There are a lot of things that I can't tell you. But I can feel it," Shaw said.

Despite sharing the dressing room with prominent figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Shaw revealed that only one Indian cricketer consistently reached out to him during his period of struggle: Rishabh Pant. "Except Rishabh Pant. And also Sachin Tendulkar, He knows by struggle. He has has seen me grow up with Arjun Tendulkar. I have gone to his house also," Shaw stated, highlighting the importance of having supportive figures during challenging times.

Now, Shaw is determined to revive his career and get back on track. He has sought a No-Objection Certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to play for another state, seeking a fresh start with Maharashtra as a professional player. Shaw has also gone back to basics and is working hard to regain his fitness and form. "I am on track now. I have gone back to basics now. The hard work I used to do 5 years ago, I think I have started that routine again," he said.

Shaw remains optimistic about his future and believes in his abilities. "I believe in myself. I don't know how many people believe in me or not. But I believe in myself. I know how to get there. That's why I am doing all this," he asserted. He also shared the valuable advice he received from his father: "Only Prithvi Shaw can bring himself back there. No one else can. So I have left everything."

Shaw's story serves as a cautionary tale for young cricketers, highlighting the importance of discipline, focus, and making the right choices. While talent is essential, it is equally crucial to prioritize cricket, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and surround oneself with supportive and positive influences. As Shaw embarks on a new chapter in his career, he hopes to learn from his past mistakes and fulfill the potential that once made him one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket.