The Curious Case of Prithvi Shaw’s Prolonged Absence from the Indian Team

News Explained: Why Prithvi Shaw hasn’t played for India in over two years, despite being a record-breaking prodigy

Prithvi Shaw, the young cricket sensation, has been out of the Indian national team for more than two years now, despite being a record-breaking prodigy. Shaw’s career has been filled with remarkable achievements, from setting a world record for the most runs scored in a Harris Shield match as a 14-year-old, to becoming the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut. However, his time in the limelight has been overshadowed by disciplinary issues, fitness concerns, and a dip in form and confidence.

Injuries and doping violation

After an impressive debut series against the West Indies in which he scored 237 runs from two Tests, Shaw faced several setbacks. He missed out on the Border Gavaskar series in 2018-19 due to an ankle injury sustained during a warm-up game. In the subsequent home season, Shaw was suspended for a doping violation, as he had consumed a cough syrup that contained a prohibited substance. This suspension led him to miss out on home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.

Dip in form and confidence

Following a decent performance in the two-Test series in New Zealand, Shaw’s form took a dive. The pandemic-hit IPL 2020 was disastrous for him, with only 228 runs at an average of 17.5. The cancellation of the 2020-21 season of the Ranji Trophy further hampered his chances of regaining form. Shaw’s struggles continued when he was selected for the Test series against Australia in the 2020-21 tour. His technique appeared unstable, and he was dropped from the team after being bowled out cheaply by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the first Test.

Inconsistent performances and off-field controversies

After his last appearance for India in July 2021, Shaw has had mixed performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. He scored a triple century in the 2022-2023 Ranji Trophy but struggled to perform consistently in other matches. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he averaged 31, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw a good overall performance. However, his return to the IPL in 2023 was disappointing, with an average of 13.2 from eight games.

Off the field, Shaw has found himself in controversies, from being involved in a club fight to posting cryptic messages on social media. These incidents have further marred his reputation and raised concerns about his attitude and work ethic.

Current status and future prospects

Despite his recent record-breaking double hundred in a county game for Northamptonshire, there are still doubts surrounding Shaw’s shape and fitness. He made a comeback to the Indian squad earlier this year but didn’t get a chance to play due to the success of his teammate Shubman Gill. The poor performance in IPL 2023 led to him falling out of favor once again.

Shaw is currently participating in the One-Day Cup in England, and while his recent performance has been impressive, his long-term future with the Indian team remains uncertain. In an interview, Shaw expressed his desire to play for India for 12-14 years and win a World Cup. Whether he can achieve that dream will depend on his ability to address the technical deficiencies, maintain his fitness, and stay away from off-field controversies.

Editorial and advice

Prithvi Shaw’s story is a reminder that talent alone is not enough to ensure a successful career in sports. Discipline, commitment, and the ability to handle pressure are essential qualities for any athlete, especially when representing a national team. Shaw’s journey serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes who dream of achieving greatness.

If Shaw wants to revive his international career, he must focus on improving his technique and regaining his confidence. It is also crucial for him to address the off-field issues that have tarnished his reputation. Shaw should seek guidance from experienced mentors who can help him navigate the challenges he faces and provide the necessary support to achieve his goals.

As for the Indian team, they have a duty to nurture and develop talented players like Shaw. They must provide the necessary resources and support structure to help young players overcome obstacles and fulfill their potential. The success of Indian cricket depends not only on individual brilliance but also on creating an environment conducive to the growth and success of all players.