Prithvi Shawonce heralded as one of India’s most promising cricketing talents, found himself at a crossroads in his career. It was released recently mumbaiof Ranji Trophy staff, reasons given include poor preparation and irregular attendance at training sessions. This development begs the question: what went wrong for this amazing talent? Shaw’s journey from schoolboy sensation to international cricketer was marked by a series of controversies that overshadowed his undeniable talent.
Rise of Prithvi Shaw
Shaw first came to the attention of the cricketing world during his school days, where he scored massive runs consistently. His remarkable performances led to predictions of a brilliant international career. He made his Test debut in 2018, scoring a century in his first match West Indiawhich raised expectations even more. However, despite this promising start, Shaw’s international career has largely stalled, playing just 12 matches and making his final appearance three years ago.
Early setbacks: Injuries and attention problems
In November 2018, a few 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 that he had “lost focus”. Although the show dismissed these claims as mere speculation, it set a disturbing precedent for the future.
Shaw’s career was marred by various incidents that 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 has been going on for 8 months
In July 2019, Shaw suffered 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 cold medicine. But this incident marked the beginning of a disturbing trend in his career.
Ajinkya Rahane incident
In December 2020, as R Shridhar mentioned in his book, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane During the warm-up game in Sydney, Shaw openly called out. Shaw, who was hit on the shin when he came out, tried to leave the field but Rahane confronted him, insisting that he stay on. The incident not only highlighted Shaw’s attempts to shirk responsibility but also raised questions about his mental fortitude in the minds of cricket fans.
Criticism of Ricky Ponting as a coach
Ricky Pontingwho coached at Shaw Capitals of Delhi In the IPL, April 2021, he expressed his disappointment with Shaw’s training methods. Ponting noted that Shaw would refuse to train rather than face his challenges when he was struggling with his batting form. This attitude disappointed Ponting and pointed to deeper problems with Shaw’s approach to improvisation.
Legal challenges and public controversy during the COVID-19 lockdown
Shaw’s off-field problems took a more serious turn in May 2021 when he was stopped by the police for violating the COVID-19 travel rules while attempting to travel from Maharashtra to Goa without an e-pass. This incident further damaged his public reputation.
The selfie controversy in Mumbai
In February 2023, an altercation involving fans turned violent when Shaw was attacked outside a Mumbai hotel after refusing requests for additional selfies. The situation resulted in damage to his friend’s car and allegations of harassment against him by an affected person on social media. The incident not only highlighted Shaw’s struggle with fame, but also brought a legal investigation into his life.
Mental health struggles and body shaming
In August 2023, while performing well in England’s One Day Cup – becoming the first Indian batsman to score a double century against two List A – Shaw faced serious body shaming on social media. Negative comments about her physique are said to have had a significant impact on her mental health, demonstrating how external pressures can affect athletes’ performance and well-being.
Current status: Dropped from Ranji Trophy squad
In October 2024, after poor performances in the Ranji Trophy season – scoring just 59 runs in four innings – Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s squad for the third round match against Tripura. Reports suggest that the decision was influenced by concerns over his fitness levels and commitment to training sessions. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) he said that letting him go was a necessary lesson for the young player.
While some sources claim that Shaw has been “put on hiatus,” it’s clear that this hiatus isn’t just a temporary measure; this reflects the ongoing disciplinary problems that plagued him throughout his career. As senior team members maintain consistent training regimes, Shaw’s irregular attendance raises alarm bells about his future in professional cricket.
