The young Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw burst onto the cricketing scene with an unforgettable century on his Test debut for India six years ago. Touted as the next Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw’s talent was undeniable and his future seemed destined for greatness. Fast forward to 2025, and the narrative has drastically shifted. For the first time in eight years, Shaw will not feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being released by Delhi Capitals and ignored by all the 10 franchises during the mega-auction. At just 25 years old, Shaw is at a critical juncture in his career, with time on his side but many obstacles to overcome.
Prithvi Shaw’s journey has been marked by moments of brilliance shadowed by off-field controversies. His doping scandal in 2020 was a pivotal moment and Sachin Tendulkar reportedly offered him three crucial words of advice – “Discipline over talent”. Sachin Tendulkar’s message underscored the importance of self-discipline, something the cricketing legend learned firsthand watching his childhood friend Vinod Kambli falter despite his immense talent.
Despite interactions with iconic figures like Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw’s commitment to change appears inconsistent. According to a former BCCI selector, these stalwarts offered invaluable insights, yet the visible transformation in Prithvi Shaw remains negligible.
The selector said in an interview that Prithvi was in the IPL team Delhi Capitals and there only he had the chance to communicate with Rahul Dravid (who was also his U-19 coach), Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting. The selector also highlighted that everyone knows Sachin Tendulkar has also talked to him and then he questioned whether these legends are fools because there is no change in Prithvi Shaw and even if there is any change, then it is not evident.
Recent developments further spotlight Prithvi Shaw’s struggles; Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team dropped him due to poor fitness and high body fat levels, signaling deeper issues beyond the cricketing field. Reports suggest disciplinary concerns continue to overshadow his performances, frustrating those who have invested in his potential.
Prithvi Shaw has shown glimpses of his immense capability. A record-breaking 379 against Assam in the Ranji Trophy and stellar performances for Northamptonshire in England highlighted his ability to dominate when focused. However, injuries and inconsistent form have hampered his return to the national stage. His last appearance for India came in July 2021, with only a brief inclusion in the T20I squad in 2022.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Prithvi Shaw acknowledged on a YouTube show the emotional toll of being the subject of memes and public criticism. While he claimed to find humour in them, he also admitted they hurt – a glimpse of self-awareness that could compel him for change.
His recent struggles in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy underline the challenges ahead. However, Prithvi Shaw has the tools to script a comeback if he revisits his fundamentals, heeds past advice and embraces discipline.
With age on his side and undeniable talent, Prithvi Shaw’s story is not over. But the next chapter depends solely on his willingness to rise above his challenges, prove his critics wrong and reignite the spark that once made him Indian cricket’s brightest prospect.
