Prithvi Shaw’s meteoric rise in Indian cricket has taken a disheartening turn as the 25-year-old, once compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, now stands on the precipice of professional obscurity. Recently, Shaw went unsold during the IPL 2025 auction, a shocking contrast to Rishabh Pant, his teammate at the Delhi Capitals, who became the most expensive player in IPL history at 27 crore rupees (£2.54m). This auction outcome has sparked considerable concern about Shaw’s future in cricket given the key figures present at the auction, including Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, who had closely observed Shaw's rise.
Shaw made headlines as a young talent in 2013 with a record 546 runs in the Harris Shield, setting expectations high. His early accolades included a Test debut in 2018, where he scored an impressive 134 runs against the West Indies. However, following his initial successes, he faced a series of setbacks, including injuries, a banned substance incident, and declining form that significantly impacted his career trajectory.
A promising start became overshadowed by consistent failures; he played merely four Tests in six years and faced criticism for his off-field behavior, including irresponsible partying. The mounting pressure led to Shaw's exclusion from major competitions like the Mumbai Ranji Trophy and his position in the IPL team waned throughout 2024.
Experts point to his struggle to manage early fame and wealth as factors contributing to his decline. Ricky Ponting, who once coached him, stated, "There’s only so much advice you can give." Former player Praveen Amre emphasized that Shaw’s lack of discipline mimics the fate of other once-prominent players who couldn't navigate the pressures of early stardom.
Indian cricket is brimming with young talent, intensifying the competition Shaw faces for a spot on the team. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed hope for Shaw’s redemption, emphasizing resilience and fitness as pivotal for a comeback. As Shaw stands at this crossroads, it’s clear his future success will depend on his ability to adapt and refocus in the highly competitive landscape of cricket. Only time will reveal if this once-promising star can reclaim his rightful status in the sport.
