Prithvi Shaw Admits to Career Setbacks: "Wrong Friends," Loss of Focus Derailed Progress

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

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer admitted that poor decisions, distractions, and shifting priorities contributed to his decline both on and off the field.

"There are a lot of things... 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 admit that there was a distraction," Shaw revealed to News24.

He further elaborated on the negative influences he encountered: "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… Now it is 4 hours."

Shaw's career trajectory saw a rapid ascent after a memorable Test debut in 2018, where he scored a century against the West Indies. He quickly garnered attention and was even compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

However, his form dipped significantly over time due to lapses in discipline and fitness, leading to him falling out of favor with selectors and teams. His setbacks included being dropped by Mumbai for poor fitness and going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, marking a considerable downturn in his career.

Now, Shaw is determined to make a fresh start. He has officially severed ties with the Mumbai Cricket Association and is seeking new opportunities with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but emphasized that this move is essential for his growth.

While he had brief periods of resurgence, such as his stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performances remained elusive.

With a new state team, a reformed mindset, and a candid acknowledgment of his past errors, Prithvi Shaw is focused on turning a new leaf. Whether this marks a true comeback or a continued struggle remains to be seen, but he is currently committed to the challenging path back to the top.