Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects, has faced a steep decline in recent years.

Shaw’s journey, marked by early success, fame, and controversies, now faces a crossroads after setbacks in domestic cricket and the IPL.

Santosh Pingutkar, Shaw’s childhood coach, has attributed the batter’s struggles to distractions outside cricket, leading to a lack of focus on the game.

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Prithvi Shaw’s rise in Indian cricket

Shaw burst onto the scene in 2018 when he captained India to a U-19 World Cup title in New Zealand. His incredible performances earned him a spot in the Indian team, where he scored a century on Test debut against the West Indies.

With fans dubbing him the next Tendulkar, Shaw also secured a lucrative IPL contract with Delhi Capitals in the same year.

However, his meteoric rise came with challenges. Fame and financial success appeared to disrupt the balance between his passion for cricket and the responsibilities that came with it.

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How did off-field distractions affect Prithvi Shaw’s career?

Pingutkar revealed that Shaw’s involvement in activities outside cricket grew significantly. Controversies, including a doping ban and a public altercation, overshadowed his talent.

These issues, combined with inconsistent form, led to Shaw being released by Delhi Capitals and going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

“Other activities apart from cricket witnessed a rise. He was more involved in his group outside cricket. But, no doubt he loves cricket,” Pingutkar told ETV Bharat.

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“However, he wasn’t able to convert his love for the game into his efforts. That’s why he is witnessing such a lean phase. He should bounce back as soon as possible. Everyone’s blessings are with him,” he added.

What lies ahead for Prithvi Shaw?

Despite the challenges, Pingutkar remains optimistic about Shaw’s future. At 25, Shaw has time to rebuild his career if he focuses on hard work and discipline.

“His form hasn’t been great, but it isn’t irreparable. With the right mindset, he can regain his place in Mumbai’s squad and return to competitive cricket,” Pingutkar added.

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While his recent performances in domestic cricket, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, have been below expectations, Pingutkar believes Shaw can bounce back with determination.

“No doubt, his performance hasn’t been up to the mark in the last 4-5 years. He has also struggled with his form in the ongoing season of the Ranji Trophy, but it hasn’t been so much worse that he will remain unsold. But he should now work hard and return to the Mumbai side.”

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