Prithvi Shaw, as soon as heralded as one in every of India’s most promising cricketing skills, has discovered himself at a crossroads in his profession. Not too long ago omitted from Mumbai‘s Ranji Trophy squad, the explanations cited embrace poor health and irregular attendance at apply classes. This improvement raises the query: what has gone mistaken for this prodigious expertise? Shaw’s journey from a schoolboy sensation to a world cricketer has been marred by a sequence of controversies which have overshadowed his simple expertise.
The rise of Prithvi Shaw
Shaw first captured the cricketing world’s consideration throughout his faculty days, the place he constantly scored huge runs. His outstanding performances led to predictions of a brilliant worldwide profession. He made his Take a look at debut in 2018, scoring a century in his first match towards the West Indies, which additional fuelled expectations. Nonetheless, regardless of this promising begin, Shaw’s worldwide profession has largely stagnated, with solely 12 matches performed and his final look over three years in the past.
Early setbacks: Accidents and focus Points
In November 2018, simply months after his debut, Shaw was chosen for the Australian tour however suffered an ankle harm throughout coaching. This unlucky incident dominated him out of the primary Take a look at and led to experiences suggesting he was “dropping focus.” Though Shaw dismissed these claims as mere hypothesis, they set a troubling precedent for what was to come back.
Shaw’s profession has been punctuated by varied incidents which have raised eyebrows concerning his professionalism and dedication to the game.
Additionally READ: Prithvi Shaw reacts after being dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad because of disciplinary points
The doping scandal places in a halt for 8 months
In July 2019, Shaw confronted a big setback when he was suspended for eight months after testing constructive for Terbutaline, a banned substance present in sure cough syrups. He claimed the constructive outcome was because of an over-the-counter treatment taken for a standard chilly. Nonetheless, this incident marked the start of a troubling development in his profession.
The Ajinkya Rahane incident
In December 2020, as R Shridhar talked about in his e book, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane publicly referred to as out Shaw throughout a warm-up recreation in Sydney. After being hit on the shin pad whereas fielding, Shaw tried to go away the sector, however Rahane confronted him, insisting he keep on the sector. This incident highlighted not solely Shaw’s makes an attempt to evade duty but additionally raised questions on his psychological fortitude within the minds of cricketing followers.
Criticism from Ricky Ponting as a coach
Ricky Ponting, who coached Shaw at Delhi Capitals within the IPL, expressed disappointment over Shaw’s coaching strategies in April 2021. Ponting famous that when Shaw struggled along with his batting kind, he would refuse to apply as a substitute of working by means of his difficulties. This angle annoyed Ponting and signalled deeper points with Shaw’s method to enchancment.
Authorized troubles and public altercations in COVID-19 lockdown
Shaw’s off-field points took a extra severe flip in Might 2021 when he was stopped by police for violating COVID-19 journey laws whereas making an attempt to journey from Maharashtra to Goa with out an e-pass. This incident additional tarnished his public picture.
The selfie controversy in Mumbai
In February 2023, an altercation involving followers escalated into violence when Shaw was attacked after refusing further selfie requests exterior a resort in Mumbai. The state of affairs culminated in harm to his good friend’s automobile and allegations of harassment towards him by a social media influencer. This incident not solely highlighted Shaw’s struggles with fame but additionally introduced authorized scrutiny into his life.
Psychological well being struggles and physique shaming
As just lately as August 2023, whereas performing properly in England’s One-Day Cup—the place he grew to become the primary Indian batter to attain two Listing A double centuries—Shaw confronted extreme physique shaming on social media. The unfavorable feedback about his physique reportedly affected his psychological well being considerably, showcasing how exterior pressures can affect athletes’ efficiency and well-being.
The present state of affairs: Omitted from Ranji Trophy squad
In October 2024, following lacklustre performances within the Ranji Trophy season—the place he scored solely 59 runs throughout 4 innings—Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s squad for his or her third-round match towards Tripura. Experiences point out that this determination was influenced by issues over his health ranges and dedication to apply classes. The Mumbai Cricket Affiliation (MCA) said that dropping him serves as a mandatory lesson for the younger participant.
Whereas some sources declare that Shaw has been “given a break,” it’s clear that this omission is greater than only a short-term measure; it displays ongoing disciplinary points which have plagued him all through his profession. As senior crew members keep constant coaching regimens, Shaw’s irregular attendance raises alarms about his future in skilled cricket.
