Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Slump: "Wrong Friends, Lost Focus" Derailed Cricket Dreams

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old batsman acknowledged 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 confessed to News24.

He further elaborated, "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's career began brightly with a century on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018, leading to comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, a lack of discipline and fitness issues led to him being dropped from the team.

From being omitted from the Mumbai squad due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw has faced a significant downturn in his career.

Now, Shaw is focused on revitalizing his career. He has officially left the Mumbai Cricket Association and is seeking a fresh start with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed gratitude for their support but indicated that this move is essential for his personal growth.

While Shaw has had brief periods of resurgence, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent high-level performances have remained elusive.

With a new state team, a refocused mindset, and a candid acknowledgment of his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is determined to turn a new page in his cricket journey. Whether this marks the beginning of a successful comeback or a gradual decline from elite cricket remains uncertain, but for now, he is committed to the challenging path back to the top.