Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as India’s next cricketing prodigy, has faced significant challenges despite his immense talent. After making his IPL debut in 2018 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Shaw quickly became the talk of the cricketing world. However, his journey, filled with highs and lows, has raised serious questions about discipline, commitment, and his relationship with some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.
The Rise of Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the international scene in 2018, captaining India to a U-19 World Cup victory in New Zealand under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid. His remarkable performance was just the beginning. In the same year, Shaw made an unforgettable Test debut, scoring a century against the West Indies. The cricketing world quickly labeled him as the next big thing, with many comparing his potential to that of legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
His IPL career with Delhi Capitals further highlighted his abilities. Shaw showcased his aggressive batting style, with a remarkable IPL record, amassing 1,892 runs in 79 matches, including 14 half-centuries. Despite these early achievements, Shaw’s cricketing journey has been marred by controversies and disciplinary issues that have affected his career trajectory.
Discipline and Controversies: Shaw’s Downfall
Prithvi Shaw’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of discipline in sustaining a long and successful career in international cricket. While his natural talent has never been in question, Shaw’s off-field behavior and lack of fitness have held him back. One of the major turning points came in 2020, when Shaw was handed an eight-month doping ban, casting a shadow over his promising career. Despite this setback, Shaw’s reputation was further tarnished in 2023 when he found himself embroiled in a selfie controversy.
These issues have not only cost him his place in the Indian team but also led to his omission from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad in 2024 due to fitness concerns. His struggles have left fans and critics alike wondering what went wrong for a player once considered India’s future in cricket.
The Influence of Cricket Legends: Did Shaw Ignore Valuable Advice?
It is well-known that Prithvi Shaw has had access to some of the greatest minds in Indian cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting. The legendary figures have offered Shaw invaluable guidance, but reports suggest that Shaw may have failed to heed their advice.
According to an unnamed former BCCI selector, Shaw had multiple opportunities to interact with these cricketing icons, including during his time with the Delhi Capitals, where he was coached by Ricky Ponting and had the chance to connect with Rahul Dravid. Even Tendulkar, the man often dubbed the “God of Cricket,” reportedly spoke to Shaw during his tough times, offering simple but powerful advice: “Discipline over talent.”
This advice, according to the selector, seems to have gone unheeded. The selector expressed frustration, questioning why Shaw had not demonstrated any significant change in his attitude or approach to the game, despite the guidance of these cricketing greats. The selector’s comments suggest that Shaw’s failure to internalize such valuable counsel may be one of the key reasons for his stagnation.
Shaw’s IPL Stats: A Tale of Promise with Unfulfilled Potential
In the IPL, Prithvi Shaw showed glimpses of his potential with some memorable innings, including a near-century against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019. However, his overall performance in the IPL has not lived up to the high expectations. With an average of just 23.95 and a best score of 99, Shaw has been inconsistent, failing to make a lasting impact despite having the skills to do so.
As of the latest IPL 2025 mega auction, Shaw found himself without a team, raising questions about his future in the league. Despite his early promise, it seems that franchises have grown wary of his disciplinary issues, leading to his exclusion from the upcoming season.
What’s Next for Prithvi Shaw?
Prithvi Shaw’s future in cricket remains uncertain. His immense talent continues to be undeniable, but the question of whether he can overcome his discipline issues looms large. The advice from some of the greatest cricketing minds in history, including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly, remains crucial for his growth as a player. Shaw must decide whether he wants to transform his potential into long-term success or if he will continue to struggle with the discipline required to thrive at the highest level.
With IPL teams and selectors closely watching, Prithvi Shaw now faces a critical juncture in his career. The next few years could define whether he becomes a successful cricketer who fulfills the potential once promised to him or a forgotten talent lost in controversy.
Conclusion: The Importance of Discipline in Cricket
Prithvi Shaw’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of discipline, both on and off the field. While talent can get a player to the top, it is discipline that ensures long-term success. Shaw’s struggles with this fundamental aspect of cricketing life have prevented him from reaching his full potential. Whether he can turn his career around depends on his ability to embrace the advice of legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly. Only time will tell if Shaw can rise above his controversies and live up to the potential that once had the cricketing world in awe.
