Timeline of Prithvi Shaw’s journey: From rising star to distressed expertise

Prithvi Shaw, as soon as heralded as one in all India’s most promising cricketing abilities, has discovered himself at a crossroads in his profession. Just lately omitted from Mumbai‘s Ranji Trophy squad, the explanations cited embrace poor health and irregular attendance at follow classes. This growth raises the query: what has gone incorrect for this prodigious expertise? Shaw’s journey from a schoolboy sensation to a world cricketer has been marred by a collection of controversies which have overshadowed his simple expertise.

The rise of Prithvi Shaw

Shaw first captured the cricketing world’s consideration throughout his college days, the place he constantly scored large runs. His outstanding performances led to predictions of a shiny worldwide profession. He made his Take a look at debut in 2018, scoring a century in his first match towards the West Indies, which additional fuelled expectations. Nonetheless, regardless of this promising begin, Shaw’s worldwide profession has largely stagnated, with solely 12 matches performed and his final look over three years in the past.

Early setbacks: Accidents and focus Points

In November 2018, simply months after his debut, Shaw was chosen for the Australian tour however suffered an ankle harm throughout coaching. This unlucky incident dominated him out of the primary Take a look at and led to reviews suggesting he was “dropping focus.” Though Shaw dismissed these claims as mere hypothesis, they set a troubling precedent for what was to come back.

Shaw’s profession has been punctuated by varied incidents which have raised eyebrows concerning his professionalism and dedication to the game.

Additionally READ: Prithvi Shaw reacts after being dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad attributable to disciplinary points

The doping scandal places in a halt for 8 months

In July 2019, Shaw confronted a big setback when he was suspended for eight months after testing constructive for Terbutaline, a banned substance present in sure cough syrups. He claimed the constructive outcome was attributable to an over-the-counter medicine taken for a standard chilly. Nonetheless, this incident marked the start of a troubling pattern in his profession.

The Ajinkya Rahane incident

In December 2020, as R Shridhar talked about in his e-book, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane publicly referred to as out Shaw throughout a warm-up recreation in Sydney. After being hit on the shin pad whereas fielding, Shaw tried to depart the sphere, however Rahane confronted him, insisting he keep on the sphere. This incident highlighted not solely Shaw’s makes an attempt to evade accountability but additionally raised questions on his psychological fortitude within the minds of cricketing followers.

Criticism from Ricky Ponting as a coach

Ricky Ponting, who coached Shaw at Delhi Capitals within the IPL, expressed disappointment over Shaw’s coaching strategies in April 2021. Ponting famous that when Shaw struggled along with his batting kind, he would refuse to follow as a substitute of working by his difficulties. This angle pissed off Ponting and signalled deeper points with Shaw’s strategy to enchancment.

Authorized troubles and public altercations in COVID-19 lockdown

Shaw’s off-field points took a extra critical flip in Might 2021 when he was stopped by police for violating COVID-19 journey rules whereas trying to journey from Maharashtra to Goa with out an e-pass. This incident additional tarnished his public picture.

The selfie controversy in Mumbai

In February 2023, an altercation involving followers escalated into violence when Shaw was attacked after refusing extra selfie requests outdoors a resort in Mumbai. The state of affairs culminated in injury to his buddy’s automobile and allegations of harassment towards him by a social media influencer. This incident not solely highlighted Shaw’s struggles with fame but additionally introduced authorized scrutiny into his life.

Psychological well being struggles and physique shaming

As lately as August 2023, whereas performing nicely in England’s One-Day Cup—the place he grew to become the primary Indian batter to attain two Record A double centuries—Shaw confronted extreme physique shaming on social media. The detrimental feedback about his physique reportedly affected his psychological well being considerably, showcasing how exterior pressures can impression athletes’ efficiency and well-being.

The present state of affairs: Omitted from Ranji Trophy squad

In October 2024, following lacklustre performances within the Ranji Trophy season—the place he scored solely 59 runs throughout 4 innings—Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s squad for his or her third-round match towards Tripura. Studies point out that this choice was influenced by considerations over his health ranges and dedication to follow classes. The Mumbai Cricket Affiliation (MCA) acknowledged that dropping him serves as a obligatory lesson for the younger participant.

Whereas some sources declare that Shaw has been “given a break,” it’s clear that this omission is greater than only a short-term measure; it displays ongoing disciplinary points which have plagued him all through his profession. As senior group members keep constant coaching regimens, Shaw’s irregular attendance raises alarms about his future in skilled cricket.