Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Downturn: Wrong Choices and Loss of Focus Derailed Cricket Trajectory

Prithvi Shaw Reflects on Career Setbacks: "I Lost Focus on Cricket"

NEW DELHI: Once hailed as a future star of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has offered a candid assessment of the challenges that have hampered his once-promising career.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer openly discussed how 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.

"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, who made a memorable Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, quickly gained recognition, even being compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, over time, lapses in discipline and fitness led to his exclusion from the team. From being dropped by Mumbai due to poor fitness to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the decline was significant and widely publicized.

Now, the right-handed opener is determined to start anew. Shaw has officially parted ways with the Mumbai Cricket Association, seeking a fresh opportunity with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed gratitude for their support but stated that he believes a change is necessary for his growth.

While he made brief comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performances remained elusive.

With a new state team, a renewed mindset, and honesty about his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is aiming for a fresh start. Whether this marks the beginning of a comeback story or a gradual departure from elite cricket remains to be seen; but for now, he is choosing the challenging path back to the top.