Prithvi Shaw Admits to Losing Focus, Blames "Wrong Friends" for Career Setback

Prithvi Shaw Reflects on Career Detour: "I Lost Focus on Cricket"

NEW DELHI: Once hailed as a future star of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has offered a candid and emotional assessment of the challenges that have stalled his once-promising career.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old revealed how poor choices, distractions, and shifting priorities contributed to his decline both on and off the field.

"There are a lot of things. It is different for people to see. Because I know what has happened. I can understand it. I have taken a lot of wrong decisions in life. I started giving less time to cricket. I used to practice a lot. For example, I used to bat for 3-4 hours in nets. I never got tired of batting. I used to go to the ground for half a day. I admit that there was a distraction," Shaw told News24.

"After that, I started considering what was not necessary as necessary. I made some wrong friends. Because I was at the top at that time. Friendship is also formed. Then they took me here and there. All those things. Then I got away from the track. I used to give 8 hours of practice on the ground. Now it is 4 hours."

Shaw, who made a memorable Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, quickly gained recognition, drawing comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, over time, lapses in discipline and fitness led to his decline in the eyes of selectors and fans.

From being dropped by Mumbai due to fitness concerns to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the downturn was both significant and public.

Now, the right-handed opener is seeking a fresh start. Shaw has officially parted ways with the Mumbai Cricket Association, aiming for a new beginning with Maharashtra as a professional player.

In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed gratitude for their support but indicated that he believes a move is essential for his development.

While he made brief comebacks, including a stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistent performances remained elusive.

With a new state team, a renewed mindset, and honesty about his past mistakes, Prithvi Shaw is determined to turn the page. Whether this marks the beginning of a comeback or a gradual decline from top-tier cricket remains to be seen. For now, he is choosing the challenging path back to prominence.