Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Slump: Faulty Decisions and Distractions Derailed Cricket Focus

Prithvi Shaw Reflects on Career Downturn: 'I Lost Focus on Cricket'

NEW DELHI: Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has openly discussed the challenges that led to his career slump. In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer admitted that poor decisions, distractions, and shifting 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, scoring a century against the West Indies, leading to comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, his discipline and fitness waned, causing him to fall out of favor. From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness issues to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his decline was both rapid and highly visible.

The right-handed opener is now focused on making a fresh start. Shaw has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association and will be joining Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but emphasized that this move is essential for his growth. Despite brief comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he struggled to maintain consistent performance.

With a new state team, a revitalized mindset, and a candid acknowledgment of his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is determined to turn things around. Whether this marks the beginning of a successful comeback or a continued struggle remains to be seen. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path back to the top.