Prithvi Shaw, one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, has recently found himself at the center of intense media scrutiny. The cricketer’s fortunes seem to have taken a downward turn following his exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad and a lack of bidders during the IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 25. As Shaw continues to navigate these turbulent times, an old video of him addressing the pain of online trolling has resurfaced and gone viral, stirring emotions among fans and critics alike.
Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Journey and Setbacks
Prithvi Shaw made his IPL debut in 2018 with the Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) and played 79 matches for the franchise. Over the years, Shaw established himself as a destructive opener with a total of 1892 runs in the league. However, despite his explosive performances, the Delhi franchise released him ahead of the IPL 2025 season, and the subsequent IPL auction left him without a team. This was a major setback for Shaw, who had hoped to continue his IPL journey with a fresh contract.
His exclusion from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad added to his woes, further fueling the narrative that his career was at a crossroads. The cricketer’s drop from a key player to being ignored in such high-profile events has raised concerns among cricketing circles and fans.
The Viral Video: Prithvi Shaw Speaks Out Against Trolling
Amid these professional challenges, an old video of Prithvi Shaw speaking out against trolling and criticism has resurfaced and quickly gone viral on social media. In the clip, Shaw addresses the emotional toll of online trolling, especially the hurtful comments he receives from individuals who, despite not following him, take time to criticize his every move. Shaw said:
“If a person is not following me, how will they troll me? That means they have their eyes on me. So, I think trolling is not good, but it is not a bad thing either. We see cricketers and even other people getting trolled. I see all the trolling, memes made about me. It also hurts me sometimes,” Shaw stated.
He further added, “If I am seen anywhere, people say that I am not practicing. But sometimes, I wonder, it’s my birthday, can’t I celebrate it? What wrong have I done? If I am doing something wrong, I’ll own up to it. But if there’s nothing wrong, why should it be portrayed negatively?”
These heartfelt words from the cricketer resonated with many fans who sympathized with Shaw’s situation. His candidness in discussing the emotional impact of trolling has made the video go viral, with many taking to social media to express their support for the young cricketer.
The Opinions of Cricket Legends: Where Did It All Go Wrong for Shaw?
While Shaw’s own words highlight the pain he feels, some former cricketing greats have weighed in on his struggles. A former BCCI selector suggested that Shaw had failed to heed advice from some of the most iconic players in Indian cricket history, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Rahul Dravid. According to this selector, Shaw had numerous opportunities to improve his game, especially during his time with Delhi Capitals, where he interacted closely with these legends.
“Prithvi had the chance to learn from the best – Dravid, Ponting, Ganguly, and even Tendulkar, who spoke to him on several occasions. These legends offered him advice, but it seems like Shaw has not taken it seriously. You don’t see any significant change in his game,” the selector revealed, adding that despite the guidance, Shaw’s cricketing journey has not progressed in the way many had hoped.
Shaw’s International Career and Future Prospects
Beyond his IPL career, Prithvi Shaw has represented India in 6 Tests, 5 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 1 T20 International (T20I). However, his inconsistent performances and failure to cement his spot in the national team have led to his gradual sidelining from international cricket. His recent struggles, combined with his inability to find a team in the IPL 2025 season, have left many wondering what lies ahead for the young cricketer.
Despite these setbacks, Shaw’s raw talent and explosive batting style still make him a player to watch. It’s clear that if he can overcome the mental and emotional challenges that have been holding him back, he still has the potential to make a comeback in both domestic and international cricket.
Conclusion: Can Prithvi Shaw Bounce Back?
Prithvi Shaw’s career has certainly hit a rough patch, but the cricketer’s resilience and determination could be the key to his resurgence. His viral video speaking out against trolling sheds light on the emotional struggles that athletes face off the field. While his IPL 2025 auction snub and exclusion from the Ranji Trophy squad are major blows, Shaw’s story is far from over.
In the world of cricket, comebacks are common, and Shaw’s talent is undeniable. If he can refocus on his game, take advice from the legends who have mentored him, and address the mental challenges of trolling, Prithvi Shaw might soon find himself back on top.
