Prithvi Shaw‘s recent exclusion from Mumbai‘s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 has sparked significant discussion in the cricketing community. Once hailed as a prodigious talent, Shaw’s inconsistent performances and fitness issues have led to a series of setbacks, culminating in his omission from this crucial tournament.
Prithvi Shaw’s decline in stars finds no end
Shaw’s journey in cricket has been marked by both brilliance and disappointment. The 25-year-old opener was recently part of Mumbai’s victorious campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, where he contributed to the team’s success but failed to make a significant impact with the bat. In nine innings, he managed only 197 runs, with no half-centuries to his name, including a disappointing performance in the final against Madhya Pradesh where he scored just 10 runs. Despite showing flashes of his explosive batting style, Shaw’s inability to convert starts into substantial scores has raised concerns about his form.
Shaw’s relationship with Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer adds another layer to this narrative. After the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory, Iyer praised Shaw’s talent but emphasized the need for improvement in his work ethic and fitness. He remarked that while Shaw is undoubtedly gifted, he cannot be “babysat” and must take responsibility for his own performance and development. This candid assessment reflects a growing frustration within the team regarding Shaw’s commitment, as he has faced scrutiny for his lifestyle choices and lack of discipline.
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The impact of this exclusion on Shaw
The decision to drop Shaw from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad is a significant blow to his career aspirations. This exclusion not only raises questions about his current form but also highlights ongoing concerns regarding his fitness and discipline. Previously, he had been left out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad due to similar issues, marking a troubling trend in his professional life. With the tournament set to begin on December 21, 2024, Shaw will miss at least the first three matches, further limiting his opportunities to prove himself on the domestic stage.
Shaw’s recent performances have led many to speculate about his future in cricket. His failure to secure a contract during the IPL 2025 mega auction only adds to this uncertainty, suggesting that franchises are wary of investing in a player whose potential remains unfulfilled. However, there is still hope that with introspection and hard work, he can reclaim his position as one of India’s most promising talents.
Mumbai’s squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Shreyas Iyer (c), Vinayak Bhoir, Ayush Mahtre, Angriksh Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Siddhesh Lad, Hardik Tamore, Prasad Pawar, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, Royston Dias, Juned Khan, Harsh Tanna