Prithvi Shaw Acknowledges Missteps, Vows Cricket Comeback After Career Slump

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

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

Prithvi Shaw acknowledges his mistakes and aims for a fresh start.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old Shaw openly discussed how misguided choices, distractions, and shifting priorities contributed to his decline, 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's career began brightly in 2018 with a century against the West Indies on his Test debut, leading to comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a lack of discipline and fitness led to his exclusion from the team.

From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his downfall was both rapid and highly visible.

The right-handed opener is now determined to rebuild his career.

Shaw has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association, seeking a fresh start with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, he expressed gratitude for their support but emphasized that the move was crucial for his development.

Despite brief returns, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performance has eluded him.

With a new state team, a renewed focus, and honest reflection on past errors, Prithvi Shaw hopes to begin a new chapter. Whether this signifies a genuine comeback or a continued decline remains uncertain. For now, he's committed to taking the challenging path back to the top.