Prithvi Shaw Admits to Misguided Choices and Lost Focus Amid Career Slump

Prithvi Shaw Reflects on Career Detour: "I Made Wrong Friends, Lost Focus on Cricket"

NEW DELHI: Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has candidly addressed the challenges that have stalled his once-promising trajectory.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old batsman revealed how detrimental choices, distractions, and altered priorities contributed to his decline, both professionally and personally.

"There are a lot of things. It is different for people to see. Because I know what has happened. I can understand it. I have taken a lot of wrong decisions in life. I started giving less time to cricket. I used to practice a lot. For example, I used to bat for 3-4 hours in nets. I never got tired of batting. I used to go to the ground for half a day. I admit that there was a distraction," Shaw confessed to News24.

"After that, I started considering what was not necessary as necessary. I made some wrong friends. Because I was at the top at that time. Friendship is also formed. Then they took me here and there. All those things. Then I got away from the track. I used to give 8 hours of practice on the ground. Now it is 4 hours."

Shaw's career initially took off after a remarkable Test debut in 2018, where he scored a century against the West Indies. His talent drew comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a lack of discipline and inconsistent fitness levels led to his eventual exclusion from the team.

From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw's downfall was swift and highly visible.

Now, the right-handed opener is determined to make a fresh start. Shaw has officially severed ties with the Mumbai Cricket Association, seeking new opportunities with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, he expressed gratitude for their support but emphasized the need for a change to facilitate his growth.

Despite occasional comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, maintaining consistent performance has proven challenging.

With a new state team, a revised outlook, and open acknowledgment of past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is focused on turning over a new leaf. Whether this marks the start of a successful comeback or a gradual exit from elite cricket remains uncertain. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path toward redemption.