In the highly anticipated IPL 2025 auction, one of the most shocking moments came when Prithvi Shaw, the Mumbai-born opening batsman, went unsold despite having a base price of ₹75 lakh. Shaw, once hailed as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket, was expected to attract bids from franchises, given his explosive potential. However, the two-day auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ended without a single IPL franchise showing interest in the 25-year-old.
This turn of events led to sharp comments from former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif, who did not hold back in expressing his disappointment with Shaw’s IPL future. Kaif, who had worked closely with Shaw during his time at Delhi Capitals, stated that it was “embarrassing” for Shaw not to find a place in any IPL team.
Shaw’s IPL Journey: A Promising Start, But Unmet Expectations
Prithvi Shaw made his IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018 and has been with the franchise until the previous season. The young opening batsman was considered a key player for Delhi, especially for his aggressive style in the powerplay. Shaw’s early promise was visible, including a memorable performance where he hit 6 consecutive boundaries off Shivam Mavi during a match. Despite these flashes of brilliance, Shaw struggled with consistency throughout his IPL career.
Kaif, who was a part of the Delhi Capitals coaching setup, recalled how the team invested a lot of faith in Shaw. “Delhi backed him a lot,” Kaif remarked. “They hoped he would become the game-changer, especially during powerplays, but unfortunately, he couldn’t deliver consistently.” Kaif went on to explain how Shaw’s failures led to constant discussions among the coaching staff, with decision-makers frequently questioning his place in the playing XI. “There were meetings where we debated whether Prithvi should play or not because he kept failing,” Kaif admitted, adding, “But we always gave him a chance, hoping he might turn the game around.”
The Unfortunate Decline of a Cricketing Prodigy
Prithvi Shaw’s initial rise in cricket was meteoric. He caught the cricketing world’s attention with a stunning debut century in Tests against the West Indies in 2018. However, his career quickly plateaued, and he has struggled to secure a permanent place in the Indian national team, having played just five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I. Despite his early promise, Shaw’s inconsistency with the bat has limited his opportunities on the international stage.
Shaw’s failure to attract any bids during the IPL 2025 auction has raised many eyebrows. This is especially significant considering the IPL’s role as a launchpad for cricketers aiming for international recognition. Kaif highlighted the stark reality that franchises have moved on from Shaw after years of giving him chances, noting that even at a modest price of ₹75 lakh, no team was willing to take a risk on him.
Kaif’s Advice: Return to Basics Like Sarfaraz Khan
In his assessment, Kaif drew a comparison between Shaw’s situation and that of Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan, a domestic cricket stalwart who earned a call-up to the national team with consistent performances. Kaif suggested that Shaw, now left out of the IPL, might need to follow a similar path of proving his worth in domestic cricket. “Maybe now, Prithvi has to go back to basics, focus on his domestic performances, and build his career from there,” said Kaif. “Sarfaraz Khan scored a lot of runs and made his way into the Indian team. Shaw needs to take a leaf out of his book.”
The Future of Prithvi Shaw: A Critical Crossroads
Prithvi Shaw’s unsold status in the IPL auction signifies more than just a missed opportunity; it’s a crucial moment in his career. For a cricketer who once seemed destined for greatness, this setback could be the turning point that forces him to re-evaluate his game and approach. The IPL, a tournament that has produced numerous success stories, has also seen its fair share of players who were once overlooked only to later bounce back with determination and improved performance. Shaw now finds himself at a crossroads where he must decide whether to succumb to the pressure or fight back and rediscover his form.
Kaif’s remarks serve as a wake-up call to Shaw, urging him to take responsibility for his failures and work harder on his game. With the right attitude and dedication, Prithvi Shaw can still revive his career, but it’s clear that the time for complacency has long passed.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Shaw
The IPL 2025 auction has certainly been a moment of reckoning for Prithvi Shaw. No longer can he rely on past accolades or promise. The time for him to step up and prove his worth is now. As Kaif rightly points out, it’s time for Shaw to go back to basics, focus on his domestic performances, and learn from the likes of Sarfaraz Khan. The road ahead is long, but if Shaw can regain his focus and consistency, his IPL career—and perhaps even a return to the Indian national team—might still be possible.
