Prithvi Shaw opens up on dark phase; 'no big cricketer called me, except...'

Once hailed as India’s next cricketing superstar, Prithvi Shaw has offered an honest and emotional reflection on his career’s downward spiral. 

Speaking in a recent interview, the 25-year-old admitted to making several poor life choices that led to a dip in form, lack of discipline, and ultimately, exclusion from the national and domestic circuits.

‘I Got Distracted, Went Off Track’

“I made a lot of wrong decisions in life. I started giving less time to cricket. I got distracted. I made wrong friends and went off track,” Shaw said. The young batter, who scored a century on his Test debut in 2018, had once drawn comparisons to legends like Tendulkar and Lara. However, his career trajectory took a sharp turn after a mix of off-field controversies, injuries, and performance issues.

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From Teenage Star to IPL Snub

The 2025 IPL mega auction saw Shaw go unsold, a startling moment that highlighted how far he had fallen out of favour. He was also dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji squad and missed selection in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, despite once being considered the backbone of Mumbai’s batting line-up.

A Lone Battle, With Support From Two Giants

Recalling his early years, Shaw said he once loved spending hours at the nets. “I used to bat for 3-4 hours straight and never got tired. What hurt most, however, was the lack of support from the cricketing world. No big cricketer called me, except Rishabh Pant. And also Sachin Tendulkar— he understands struggle,” Shaw said.

Hoping for a Fresh Start

Shaw has now approached the Mumbai Cricket Association for a transfer, hoping to start afresh in the domestic season. His story is both a cautionary tale and a reminder that redemption is always possible with self-awareness and the right support system.