Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as one of India’s most promising cricketing talents, has found himself at a crossroads in his career. Recently omitted from Mumbai‘s Ranji Trophy squad, the reasons cited include poor fitness and irregular attendance at practice sessions. This development raises the question: what has gone wrong for this prodigious talent? Shaw’s journey from a schoolboy sensation to an international cricketer has been marred by a series of controversies that have overshadowed his undeniable talent.
The rise of Prithvi Shaw
Shaw first captured the cricketing world’s attention during his school days, where he consistently scored massive runs. His remarkable performances led to predictions of a bright international career. He made his Test debut in 2018, scoring a century in his first match against the West Indies, which further fuelled expectations. However, despite this promising start, Shaw’s international career has largely stagnated, with only 12 matches played and his last appearance over three years ago.
Early setbacks: Injuries and focus Issues
In November 2018, just months after his debut, Shaw was selected for the Australian tour but suffered an ankle injury during training. This unfortunate incident ruled him out of the first Test and led to reports suggesting he was “losing focus.” Although Shaw dismissed these claims as mere speculation, they set a troubling precedent for what was to come.
Shaw’s career has been punctuated by various incidents that have raised eyebrows regarding his professionalism and commitment to the sport.
Also READ: Prithvi Shaw reacts after being dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad due to disciplinary issues
The doping scandal puts in a halt for 8 months
In July 2019, Shaw faced a significant setback when he was suspended for eight months after testing positive for Terbutaline, a banned substance found in certain cough syrups. He claimed the positive result was due to an over-the-counter medication taken for a common cold. However, this incident marked the beginning of a troubling trend in his career.
The Ajinkya Rahane incident
In December 2020, as R Shridhar mentioned in his book, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane publicly called out Shaw during a warm-up game in Sydney. After being hit on the shin pad while fielding, Shaw attempted to leave the field, but Rahane confronted him, insisting he stay on the field. This incident highlighted not only Shaw’s attempts to evade responsibility but also raised questions about his mental fortitude in the minds of cricketing fans.
Criticism from Ricky Ponting as a coach
Ricky Ponting, who coached Shaw at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, expressed disappointment over Shaw’s training methods in April 2021. Ponting noted that when Shaw struggled with his batting form, he would refuse to practice instead of working through his difficulties. This attitude frustrated Ponting and signalled deeper issues with Shaw’s approach to improvement.
Legal troubles and public altercations in COVID-19 lockdown
Shaw’s off-field issues took a more serious turn in May 2021 when he was stopped by police for violating COVID-19 travel regulations while attempting to travel from Maharashtra to Goa without an e-pass. This incident further tarnished his public image.
The selfie controversy in Mumbai
In February 2023, an altercation involving fans escalated into violence when Shaw was attacked after refusing additional selfie requests outside a hotel in Mumbai. The situation culminated in damage to his friend’s car and allegations of harassment against him by a social media influencer. This incident not only highlighted Shaw’s struggles with fame but also brought legal scrutiny into his life.
Mental health struggles and body shaming
As recently as August 2023, while performing well in England’s One-Day Cup—where he became the first Indian batter to score two List A double centuries—Shaw faced severe body shaming on social media. The negative comments about his physique reportedly affected his mental health significantly, showcasing how external pressures can impact athletes’ performance and well-being.
The current situation: Omitted from Ranji Trophy squad
In October 2024, following lacklustre performances in the Ranji Trophy season—where he scored only 59 runs across four innings—Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s squad for their third-round match against Tripura. Reports indicate that this decision was influenced by concerns over his fitness levels and commitment to practice sessions. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) stated that dropping him serves as a necessary lesson for the young player.
While some sources claim that Shaw has been “given a break,” it is clear that this omission is more than just a temporary measure; it reflects ongoing disciplinary issues that have plagued him throughout his career. As senior team members maintain consistent training regimens, Shaw’s irregular attendance raises alarms about his future in professional cricket.