Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Setbacks: Wrong Choices, Lost Focus Derailed Cricket Dreams

Once heralded as the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has openly discussed the challenges that have hampered his once-promising career.

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer admitted that poor decisions, distractions, and a change in 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.

He further explained, “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 memorable Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies. His early success led to comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, disciplinary issues and fitness concerns caused him to lose his place in the team.

From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness issues to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw's fall from grace was rapid and highly publicized.

Now, the right-handed opener aims to revitalize 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, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but stated that he believes a move is necessary for his growth.

While he has had 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 acknowledging his past errors, Prithvi Shaw is determined to start anew. Whether this marks the beginning of a successful comeback or a continued decline remains to be seen.