Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as Indian cricket’s golden boy after a sensational Test debut century in 2018, is facing intense scrutiny as his career hangs in the balance. Despite his undeniable talent, Shaw’s inconsistent performances and questions about his fitness and work ethic have cast a shadow over his future. His Mumbai captain, Shreyas Iyer, didn’t mince words after their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) triumph, bluntly stating that Shaw needs to “get his work ethics right.”
From Prodigy to Problem?
Shaw, who played his last international game in July 2021, has managed just 11 appearances for India in six years. His journey, once brimming with potential, has now become a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promise. While he returned to Mumbai’s T20 side during the SMAT 2024 campaign, his stats—197 runs at an average of 21.88 and a strike rate of 156.34—were a mixed bag, with occasional sparks overshadowed by inconsistency.
“He needs to get his work ethics right, and if he does that, the sky is the limit for him,” Iyer told reporters after Mumbai’s SMAT victory. The statement, though measured, highlighted a growing sentiment: Shaw’s talent is no longer enough to keep him afloat.
Fitness Issues and Falling Stocks
Earlier this year, Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness concerns, a decision that raised eyebrows in the cricketing community. His struggles continued in the IPL, where he was released by the Delhi Capitals and went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction—a stark fall from grace for a player once touted as a future superstar.
“We can’t babysit anyone,” Iyer said bluntly, addressing Shaw’s struggles. “Every professional who is playing at this level needs to know what they should be doing. He has to sit back, put on a thinking cap, and figure it out himself. He will get the answers by himself.”
Even cricketing legends are weighing in. Last month, former Australia captain Greg Chappell penned a heartfelt letter to Shaw, urging him to embark on a “journey of self-reflection.” Chappell’s advice mirrored the growing consensus: Shaw’s battles aren’t just with the bat—they’re internal.
Iyer, however, emphasized that the onus lies solely on Shaw. “No one can force him to do anything. He has played so much cricket, and everyone has given him inputs. It’s up to him now.”
A Talent Too Big to Fail?
Iyer was also quick to praise Shaw’s immense talent, calling him a “God-gifted player” who possesses a level of skill unmatched by others. But even that acknowledgment came with a caveat. “The amount of talent he has, no one else does. But talent alone isn’t enough—he needs to focus and improve his work ethics,” Iyer said.
Mumbai Triumphs Amid Shaw’s Struggles
Mumbai clinched the SMAT title with a five-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh, thanks to contributions from stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane. While Shaw had moments of brilliance—his quickfire 49 in the quarterfinal against Vidarbha being a standout—his overall performance left much to be desired.
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