Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Setbacks: Faulty Choices and Distractions Derailed Promising Start

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

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old revealed that poor decisions, distractions, and altered 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... I admit that there was a distraction," Shaw told 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. 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 debuted in Test cricket in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, rapidly gained recognition, drawing comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a lack of discipline and fitness caused him to fall out of favor. His struggles included being dropped by Mumbai due to poor fitness and going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

Now, the right-handed opener aims to reset his career.

Shaw has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association and will join Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support, noting that a move is essential for his growth. While he had brief comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he struggled to maintain consistent performances.

With a new state team, a refreshed mindset, and acknowledging his past errors, Prithvi Shaw hopes to rejuvenate his cricketing journey. The future remains uncertain, but he is determined to take the difficult path to recovery.