Prithvi Shaw Opens Up About Career Slump: Admits to Distractions and Poor Choices

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 candidly addressed the challenges that have plagued his career.

Prithvi Shaw looking determined.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old spoke openly about how misguided choices, 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.

"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 sensational Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, quickly gained recognition, with some drawing comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, disciplinary issues and fitness concerns eventually led to him falling out of favor. From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness issues to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his decline has been both rapid and highly visible.

Now, the right-handed opener is determined to turn things around.

Shaw has officially ended his association with the Mumbai Cricket Association, seeking a fresh start with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but stated his belief that a move is essential for his development. While he has had brief periods of resurgence, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performances have remained elusive.

With a new state team, a renewed mindset, and an honest acknowledgment of his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is focused on rebuilding his career. Whether this marks the start of a successful comeback or a gradual decline from elite-level cricket remains to be seen. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path back to the top.