Prithvi Shaw Admits to "Wrong Friends" and Lost Focus Amid Career Setbacks

Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has openly discussed the challenges that have hampered his once-promising career.

Prithvi Shaw (Agency Photo)

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old cricketer revealed how poor decisions, 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...I admit that there was a distraction,” Shaw told News24.

He elaborated on how his focus shifted: "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...Then they took me here and there. All those things. Then I got away from the track." He also admitted to reducing his practice time from eight hours to four.

Shaw, who made a memorable Test debut in 2018 with a century against the West Indies, quickly gained recognition, even drawing comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, disciplinary issues and fitness concerns led to his downfall. From being dropped by Mumbai due to poor fitness to going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the decline was significant and highly publicized.

Now, the right-handed opener is determined to make a fresh start.

Shaw has officially severed ties with the Mumbai Cricket Association and is seeking a new beginning with Maharashtra as a professional player. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for their support but stated that he believes a change is necessary for his development.

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

With a new state team, a renewed mindset, and a candid acknowledgment of his past errors, Prithvi Shaw is eager to start anew. Whether this signifies the start of a comeback story or a gradual departure from top-tier cricket remains to be seen. For now, he is committed to taking the challenging path back to success.