Mumbai: Once hailed as Indian cricket's next big sensation, Prithvi Shaw has hit rock bottom. The 25-year-old opener was dropped from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and disciplinary concerns and went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the promising batsman who made headlines with his explosive debut performances.
In a candid interview with News24 Sports, Shaw finally broke his silence about the personal and professional struggles that derailed his once-promising career, admitting to making "wrong decisions" that cost him dearly.
The Confession: From 8 Hours to 4 Hours
Shaw's honest assessment of his downfall reveals a troubling pattern of misplaced priorities. "I have taken some wrong decisions in life. I feel that I started giving less time to cricket," Shaw admitted, highlighting how his dedication to the sport dramatically declined over the past two years.
The statistics of his decline are stark. "I used to spend almost half of my day at the ground till 2023. But after that, I started giving importance to the wrong things. I made some wrong friends. At that time, I was at the top and this is the time when you attract a lot of friends. I got off-track and my time at the ground went down from 8 hours to just 4 hours," Shaw revealed.
This reduction in practice time coincided with his deteriorating performances across formats, ultimately leading to his exclusion from both state and IPL cricket.
The Wrong Circle: Success Breeds False Friends
Shaw's revelation about attracting the "wrong friends" during his peak years offers insight into how young cricketers can be led astray by their sudden fame and success. The opener acknowledged that his success made him a magnet for people who may not have had his best interests at heart.
"I made some wrong friends. At that time, I was at the top and this is the time when you attract a lot of friends," Shaw explained, suggesting that his social circle played a significant role in his professional decline.
Personal Tragedy: Grandfather's Death
Beyond professional missteps, Shaw opened up about personal tragedies that affected his mental state and performance. The death of his beloved grandfather left him emotionally devastated, contributing to his struggles on and off the field.
"There are a lot of things. It's not just that. I had a family problem. My grandfather had passed away. He was very dear to me. There are a lot of things that I can't tell you. But I can feel it," Shaw said, his voice heavy with emotion while discussing the personal loss that coincided with his career troubles.
Fitness and Lifestyle Concerns
Mumbai's senior selection committee cited Shaw's fitness and "general conduct" as reasons for dropping him from the Ranji Trophy squad, concerns that have persistently followed the young cricketer throughout his career decline.
These fitness issues weren't just rumors but tangible concerns that affected his selection across formats. The combination of reduced training time, lifestyle choices, and personal struggles created a perfect storm that undermined his physical and mental preparation for competitive cricket.
Father's Unwavering Support
Despite his struggles, Shaw found solace in his father's constant support throughout his difficult period. "I admit my mistakes. But my dad has always supported me. No matter how bad my time was. He has seen good and bad," Shaw acknowledged, highlighting the importance of family support during challenging times.
This paternal backing has likely been crucial in helping Shaw maintain some semblance of stability as he navigates through his career's lowest point.
The Road Ahead: NOC and New Beginnings
Shaw has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association, allowing him to explore opportunities with other state teams. This move represents his attempt to restart his career away from the pressures and associations that contributed to his downfall in Mumbai.
The decision to leave Mumbai cricket, where he made his mark as a teenage prodigy, symbolizes Shaw's recognition that sometimes a complete change of environment is necessary for personal and professional redemption.
