Prithvi Shaw’s career, once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, now hangs in the balance, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) highlighting his ongoing struggles with fitness, discipline and professionalism. Shaw’s omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad has once again thrust the talented but cantankerous cricketer into the spotlight, with critics and officials alike expressing frustration at his inability to fulfill his immense potential.
Rising stars whose potential has yet to be realized
Prithvi Shaw first grabbed the attention of the cricketing world with his explosive performances, most notably in the first Test match in 2018 when he was just 18 against the West Indies Scored a century goal in the game. His promising start pointed to a bright future, but despite his stellar performances, Shaw’s career has been plagued by inconsistency and a series of off-field controversies. Shaw was once considered the next big thing in Indian cricket, but his journey took a painful turn as the pressure to live up to expectations seemed to lead him down a path of self-doubt and distraction.
MCA stern warning: “He is his own enemy”
MCA’s recent comments on Shaw’s omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad provided a harsh assessment of the player’s current situation. According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Shaw’s poor fitness and poor on-field attitude disrupted the team’s momentum. The official revealed that during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw was often hidden from the field as his physical condition was not considered good enough to keep up with the demands of the game. “We had 10 fielders because we were forced to hide Prithvi Shaw. The ball would pass near him and he could barely catch it,” the official said, highlighting Shaw’s undeniable talent and The stark contrast between his poor physical condition.
The official also pointed out Shaw’s off-field behavior, revealing that the young batsman often missed training after returning to the team hotel at 6am after a late night out. The combination of poor discipline, questionable work ethic and poor physical condition caused serious concern among Shaw’s teammates and mentors. “Even the seniors in the team started complaining about his attitude,” the official added.
Shreyas Iyer’s reality check: ‘He needs to develop the right work ethic’
Shaw’s absence also caught the attention of Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer, who spoke candidly about Mumbai’s situation after winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ayer was one of the players who tried to coach Xiao, stressing the importance of Xiao taking responsibility for his actions. “He needs to develop the right work ethic. If he does that, then his future is limitless,” Iyer said, adding that the team cannot “take care of” anyone, including Shaw. Iyer’s words make it clear that Shaw’s failure to improve his fitness and discipline is hampering his growth as a cricketer.
Turning Point: Career Crossroads
Shaw was left out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad after a series of disappointing performances on and off the field. Despite a stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in which he scored 197 runs at a strike rate of 156 in 9 games, Shaw’s inability to maintain consistent fitness has been a major hurdle. He was left out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad in October and his failure to adhere to a specific fitness regimen further highlighted the seriousness of the situation.
The trajectory of Shaw’s career has raised questions about his ability to handle the pressure of high expectations. His recent snub in the IPL auction, with no team showing interest in his services despite a relatively low base price, is a stark reminder of his struggle to stay relevant in the competitive world of Indian cricket .
Can Xiao Zhan turn the situation around?
The cricketing world is watching closely to see if Prithvi Shaw can turn around his career. His talent is undeniable, but talent alone is not enough in modern cricket. It’s the combination of discipline, physical prowess and mental fortitude that separates the great players from the fading ones. Shaw’s critics, including former coaches and mentors such as Greg Chappell, have urged him to focus on his health and professionalism, warning that it is only through these efforts that he will reach his true potential.
Shaw’s saga is a cautionary tale for young cricketers, reminding them that raw talent, while vital, is only part of the equation. As the cricketing world awaits Shaw’s next move, the question remains: will he rise to the challenge, or will his off-field distractions continue to derail his promising career? Only time will tell.