Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as the future of Indian cricket, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Touted as a child prodigy, Shaw’s early exploits, including leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup and a scintillating Test debut, showcased his immense potential. However, his decline has been swift, leaving many to wonder if his career can be salvaged. While his talent remains undeniable, issues with fitness, off-field controversies, and inconsistent performances have significantly dented his reputation.
Prithvi Shaw’s domestic woes and IPL 2025 auction snub
Shaw’s domestic season in 2024 failed to inspire confidence, as he managed only 59 runs in four Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance was equally disappointing, with 197 runs across nine matches at an average of 21.88, failing to register a single half-century. Barring a 26-ball 49 in the quarterfinal, his contributions were largely forgettable, even as Mumbai clinched the title.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction further underscored his declining stature in Indian cricket, as no franchise showed interest in acquiring him. For a player once seen as a future Indian captain, this downfall serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport and the price of neglecting discipline and consistency.
Shreyas Iyer’s blunt remark
Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer, a teammate of Shaw and the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, weighed in on Shaw’s predicament with a mix of admiration and critique. Iyer described Shaw as “God-gifted,” emphasizing that his talent is unmatched, but talent without the right attitude and effort holds no value in the long term. According to Iyer, Shaw’s work ethic remains a major concern, and despite repeated advice from peers and coaches, he has struggled to adopt a professional mindset.
“I think, personally, he is a God-gifted player. The amount of talent he possesses as an individual, no one has it. That’s true. It’s just that he needs to improve his work ethics,” Iyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Iyer highlighted that Shaw’s issues are not new and that the batter has managed to overcome challenges in the past. However, he firmly stated that it is Shaw’s responsibility to take charge of his career, as no amount of external guidance can replace self-motivation and discipline.
“And I have said it before as well in many of the interviews. He needs to get his work ethics right. And if he does that, you know, sky is the limit for him. Can you force him to? I can’t force him. He has played so much of cricket. And everyone has given him inputs. At the end of the day, it’s his job to go out there and figure out things for himself,” the 30-year-old added.
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Iyer’s hard-hitting reality check
Iyer’s comments about Shaw struck a chord with cricketing circles, as he bluntly stated that professionals at the highest level need to take ownership of their careers. “We can’t babysit anyone,” Iyer remarked, pointing out that Shaw must independently figure out the solutions to his struggles. Iyer acknowledged Shaw’s past successes but stressed that continuous effort is key to sustaining success in modern cricket. He noted that Shaw has received ample advice and guidance from teammates and coaches but ultimately must step up and resolve his issues.
“We can’t babysit anyone, right? Every professional who is playing at this level, they need to know what they should be doing. And he has also done it in the past. It’s not that he hasn’t. He has to focus. He has to sit back, put a thinking cap on and then figure out himself. He will get the answer. No one can force him to do anything,” Iyer concluded.
Can Shaw revive his career?
Shaw is now at a critical juncture where his career could either take a turn for the better or spiral further downward. Despite his struggles, Shaw still has age on his side and the potential to stage a comeback. To achieve this, he must undergo a complete transformation, focusing on fitness, refining his technique, and building mental resilience.
Shaw must embrace the discipline required to compete at the highest level, seeking inspiration from players who have successfully revived their careers after setbacks. His next steps will determine whether he emerges as a story of redemption or remains a cautionary tale in Indian cricket.