Prithvi Shaw, once considered one of India’s brightest cricketing talents, finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. The 25-year-old’s struggles have drawn comparisons to the decline of Vinod Kambli, but former national selector Jatin Paranjape believes Shaw can still turn his fortunes around with the right mindset and effort.
Challenges Facing Shaw
Shaw’s cricketing journey has hit several roadblocks in recent weeks. In October, he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team due to fitness concerns. Though he earned a spot in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad, his performance was lackluster, including two three-ball ducks in four matches. Adding to his woes, Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, even after lowering his base price from ₹2 crore to ₹75 lakhs.
Paranjape, writing in Sportstar, emphasized the need for Shaw to address three key areas to revive his career:
- Mental Organization: Shaw needs to cultivate a disciplined and focused mindset.
- Batting Against Spin: Developing better footwork and consistency against spin bowling is crucial.
- Fitness: A serious commitment to physical fitness is non-negotiable.
Fitness as the Key to Revival
Paranjape highlighted fitness as the most pressing issue, advising Shaw to shed 7-10 kilograms of weight without compromising strength. He even suggested Shaw spend time training under renowned fitness coach Ramji Srinivasan in Chennai to kickstart his transformation.
“Without improved fitness, his future in cricket is uncertain. If Shaw can lose the extra weight and maintain strength, he will see results within 45 to 60 days,” Paranjape noted.
Tackling Spin Bowling
Another area of concern is Shaw’s vulnerability to spin. Paranjape pointed out that almost every domestic spinner in India has managed to dismiss him, attributing this to fatigue caused by poor fitness. He urged Shaw to use his feet more actively and rework his approach against spin, as his natural talent for stroke play is evident.
“Shaw has the ability to play shots on both sides of the wicket. However, by the time spinners come into play, his footwork suffers due to fatigue, tying back to his fitness issues,” Paranjape explained.
Learning from Legends
Paranjape drew parallels with cricketing icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, urging Shaw to channel their passion and dedication to the game. He noted that Kohli, for instance, remains as enthusiastic as a child when on the field, and this love for the game has been a driving force behind his success.
“Prithvi loves batting, and that love should fuel his commitment to improve. Emulating legends who continually strive for excellence can reignite his career,” Paranjape added.
The Road Ahead
At 25, Shaw still has time to redefine his cricketing journey. Paranjape believes that with a structured plan and disciplined execution, Shaw can overcome his current struggles. This phase, while challenging, can serve as a turning point for the talented batter.
The question now remains: Will Prithvi Shaw rise to the challenge and reclaim his place as one of Indian cricket’s most promising stars?
