Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his thoughts on Prithvi Shaw’s current challenges, emphasizing that the talented cricketer must take responsibility for his own turnaround. Shaw, once hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar, has seen his career hit a rough patch due to issues related to form, fitness, and discipline. His recent IPL 2025 snub marked a low point, leaving him without a team for the first time in six years.
Shaw’s Decline and Harbhajan’s Support
Despite the harsh criticism Shaw has faced from former coaches and team owners, including Ricky Ponting, Pravin Amre, and Parth Jindal, Harbhajan offered a mix of encouragement and constructive criticism. He acknowledged the immense pressure Shaw faced from early comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar and highlighted the need for Shaw to reassess his priorities.
“Shaw needs to take control of his career. Comparisons with someone as iconic as Sachin Tendulkar put undue pressure on him early on. But there’s more to his current struggles than just cricket,” Harbhajan said in an interview with News18.
The Importance of Fitness
Harbhajan pointed to Shaw’s fitness as a major area for improvement, urging him to take inspiration from players like Virat Kohli. “The version of Shaw we see now, even in terms of size, reflects neglect of fitness. If he wants to bounce back, he must work on his physical conditioning. Look at the fitness levels of Indian players; it directly impacts their performance. Shaw has the talent, but he needs the discipline to match it,” Harbhajan added.
IPL Snub: A Turning Point?
Shaw, who last played for India in 2021, had moments of brilliance in domestic cricket, including a record-breaking 379 in the Ranji Trophy and a stunning 244 on his Northamptonshire debut in the One-Day Cup. However, a lackluster IPL season and disciplinary issues with Mumbai’s Ranji team have marred his progress.
Harbhajan hopes the IPL rejection serves as a wake-up call for the 25-year-old. “Sometimes setbacks like this can be the turning point in a player’s career. He’s young and has time to correct his path. If he channels his focus and mindset in the right direction, there’s no limit to what he can achieve,” Harbhajan remarked.
A Message of Hope
Despite Shaw’s challenges, Harbhajan remains optimistic about his future. “I don’t know Shaw personally, but I believe he has what it takes to come back stronger. My advice to him is simple: learn from this setback, focus on your fitness, and keep your mind in the right place. Talent isn’t his issue—his approach is. Once he fixes that, the sky’s the limit.”
The Road Ahead
Prithvi Shaw’s journey is at a critical juncture. While his recent struggles have overshadowed his potential, the young cricketer still has time to rebuild his career and fulfill the promise that once had the cricketing world comparing him to legends.
