By Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as the future star of Indian cricket, faces a critical juncture in his career following a disappointing IPL 2025 auction and mounting criticisms from seasoned players.
From Promising Debut to IPL Snub
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the cricket scene with a sensational Test century on debut as a teenager, earning him the title of the ‘next big thing’ in Indian cricket. However, his journey since has been far from smooth. In the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw’s name was mentioned twice, but despite a base price of Rs 75 lakh, no team decided to pick him up. This marks the first time since his IPL debut in 2018 that Shaw will miss out on participating in a season.
Behavioral and Fitness Concerns Cloud Performance
Shaw’s decline isn’t solely due to a dip in form. Criticism regarding his behavior and fitness has been persistent, coming from former Indian cricketers and cricket experts alike. These off-field issues have seemingly taken a toll on his on-field performance, leading to questions about his commitment and professionalism.
Kevin Pietersen’s Call for Change
Adding to the chorus of critiques, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media to deliver a blunt message to Shaw. Pietersen emphasized the importance of fitness and stepping back from social media to regain focus. “Some of the greatest sports stories are COMEBACK stories. If Prithvi Shaw has decent people around him who care about his long-term success, they’d sit him down, tell him to get off social media & train his absolute backside off in getting super fit. It’ll get him back into the correct path where past success can return. Too talented to throw it all away. Love, KP!,” Pietersen wrote on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
Dropped from Mumbai Ranji Team
Shaw’s recent struggles were further highlighted when he was dropped from the Mumbai Ranji team for being overweight and unfit. Although he made a return for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, his performance has yet to make a significant impact, leaving fans and analysts concerned about his future in the sport.
Mixed Reactions from the Cricket Community
The cricket community remains divided on Shaw’s situation. While some believe his off-field persona has detrimentally affected his career, others feel that the pressure and expectations placed upon him at such a young age have been overwhelming.
Mohammed Kaif Weighs In
Former India ODI specialist Mohammed Kaif voiced his concerns, stating that Shaw’s off-field actions have indeed affected his on-field game. “His off-field persona has definitely affected his on-field game as he flattered to deceive on numerous occasions,” Kaif commented, pointing to instances where Shaw’s behavior may have undermined his professional image.
The Road Ahead: Can Shaw Make a Comeback?
Despite the setbacks, Shaw’s talent remains undeniable. Many supporters believe that with the right guidance and a renewed focus on fitness and professionalism, Shaw can reclaim his position in the cricketing elite.
Steps Toward Redemption:
- Focus on Fitness: Prioritizing physical health to meet professional standards.
- Reduce Social Media Usage: Minimizing distractions and negative influences from online platforms.
- Seek Mentorship: Engaging with experienced players and coaches to navigate challenges.
- Consistent Performance: Delivering strong performances in domestic tournaments to rebuild confidence and attract IPL teams.
A Talent at a Crossroads
Prithvi Shaw’s career is at a pivotal moment. The combination of IPL auction snubs, criticisms from respected players, and personal challenges presents a daunting path ahead. However, Shaw’s undeniable talent and the support of those who believe in his potential could steer him back to the heights he once aspired to reach. Only time will tell if Shaw can overcome these obstacles and re-establish himself as a mainstay in Indian cricket.