Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the Mumbai squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy has sparked controversy, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) providing a candid response to the player’s emotional outburst. Shaw, who had previously played a key role in Mumbai’s title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, expressed his frustration through a viral social media post after not being selected for the 16-member squad for the prestigious domestic one-day competition. The MCA, however, has responded sharply, accusing Shaw of being “his own enemy” due to consistent issues with his fitness, discipline, and attitude.
The Controversy Around Shaw’s Exclusion
Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion has not gone unnoticed, especially after his involvement in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory. Despite being part of the title-winning team, Shaw’s omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad has raised eyebrows. However, the MCA’s reaction paints a different picture, shedding light on Shaw’s ongoing struggles with fitness and discipline.
According to an MCA official, Shaw’s attitude on and off the field has caused constant concern. The official went as far as to say that during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Mumbai often had to “hide” Shaw on the field due to his poor fitness. “At times, we played with 10 fielders because we had to hide Prithvi Shaw. He struggled to reach the ball, and his fitness was far from ideal,” the MCA official said, speaking to PTI under the condition of anonymity.
Fitness and Discipline: Key Concerns
The crux of Shaw’s exclusion appears to be his repeated failure to adhere to the fitness requirements set by the team management. Reports suggest that Shaw’s fitness issues were evident even during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he faced difficulties in movement and timing while batting. Moreover, the official revealed that Shaw’s lack of discipline extended beyond fitness, with the young batter reportedly missing regular training sessions. On several occasions, he arrived late at the team hotel, with one instance cited where he was spotted at the hotel as late as 6 a.m., having been out the previous night.
The MCA also emphasized that Shaw’s behavior on the field was a cause for concern. His lack of proper fitness and discipline led to complaints from senior players, including Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer, who made a public statement urging Shaw to improve his work ethic. Iyer noted, “We can’t babysit anyone. Shaw has played enough cricket to understand what is expected of him.”
Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Exclusion: A Similar Pattern
Shaw’s exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad mirrors a similar decision earlier in the year, when he was left out of the Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy. Despite being given a specific fitness program to follow at the MCA Academy, Shaw reportedly failed to meet the expectations. The MCA official lamented, “He is not following the prescribed fitness program properly.”
These incidents are just a few in a series of setbacks for Shaw, whose early career was marked by high expectations but has since been plagued by inconsistency and off-field controversies.
Shaw’s Struggles at the International Level
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the cricket scene with remarkable promise. He made a sensational debut for India in 2018 against the West Indies at the age of 18, scoring a memorable century in his first Test. However, since that debut, Shaw’s international career has stagnated. He has featured in only a handful of Tests, with his last appearance for India coming in 2020 against Australia. Shaw’s ODI and T20I careers have also failed to take off, and he hasn’t represented India in white-ball cricket since 2021.
Despite the early promise, Shaw’s international career has failed to live up to expectations, with his form and attitude on the field drawing criticism from former cricketers and experts alike.
IPL Auction Snub: A Sign of Declining Value?
Shaw’s struggles off the field have been mirrored by his declining value in domestic cricket. Recently, he failed to attract any bids in the IPL auction, despite entering with a relatively low base price of ₹75 lakh. This snub raised further questions about his future in the professional cricketing world, with many pundits expressing concern about his attitude and fitness.
The MCA’s Frustration with Shaw
The MCA official’s comments underscored the frustration felt by the cricketing community regarding Shaw’s behavior. “I’ll tell you one thing. No one is Shaw’s enemy. He is his own enemy,” the official said, encapsulating the sentiment of many who believe that Shaw’s potential remains untapped due to his failure to address key issues in his game.
Conclusion: Shaw’s Future at a Crossroads
Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad is not just about his omission from one tournament; it highlights broader concerns about his fitness, discipline, and attitude. With growing frustration from both the Mumbai Cricket Association and his teammates, Shaw’s future in Indian cricket appears uncertain. While his talent is undeniable, it is his commitment to the game and his ability to improve his fitness and work ethic that will determine whether he can fulfill the promise he showed as a young cricketer.
For Shaw, the road ahead is clear: If he is to regain his place in the national team and succeed in domestic cricket, he must address his fitness issues and adopt a more professional approach to his career. The ball is now in his court.
