Prithvi Shaw Acknowledges Career Setbacks, Cites Distractions and Poor Choices

Prithvi Shaw Reflects on Career Detour: "I Lost Focus on Cricket"

NEW DELHI: Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has openly discussed the challenges that have hindered his once-promising career.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old batsman admitted that poor decisions, distractions, and shifting priorities led to a decline in his performance, both on and off the field.

"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 told 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 made a sensational Test debut in 2018, scoring a century against the West Indies. He quickly gained recognition, with comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a lack of discipline and fitness resulted in him falling out of favor. From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his decline was both rapid and very public.

Now, the right-handed opener is determined to make a fresh start.

Shaw has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association, seeking a new beginning with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed gratitude for their support but stated that he believes this move is essential for his development. While he has made brief comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performances have remained elusive.

With a new state team, a renewed mindset, and honesty about his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is determined to turn the page and resurrect his career. Whether this marks the beginning of a successful comeback or a gradual fading from top-tier cricket remains to be seen. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path back to success.