Prithvi Shaw Acknowledges Career Dip, Cites Poor Choices and Distractions

Once hailed as a future star of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has openly discussed the challenges that have impacted his career trajectory.

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer acknowledged that poor decisions, distractions, and shifting priorities contributed to his decline both on and off the field.

"There are a lot of things... I have taken a lot of wrong decisions in life. I started giving less time to cricket. I used to practice a lot... I admit that there was a distraction," Shaw revealed to News24.

He elaborated on how his focus shifted: "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... Then they took me here and there... Then I got away from the track. I used to give 8 hours of practice on the ground. Now it is 4 hours."

Shaw, who made a memorable Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, quickly gained recognition and was even compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a decline in discipline and fitness led to him falling out of favor. From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his downfall was significant and widely publicized.

Now, the right-handed opener aims to reset his career. Shaw has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association and is seeking a fresh start with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but indicated that he believes this move is crucial for his development.

While he 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 a candid acknowledgment of his past errors, Prithvi Shaw is determined to turn a new page in his career. Whether this marks the start of a successful comeback or a gradual decline from top-tier cricket remains to be seen. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path back to the top.