Prithvi Shaw’s Struggles: Former Cricketer Suggests Fitness Overhaul to Revive Career

December 6, 2024

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, has hit a rough patch. The talented batter, who made headlines with his remarkable achievements at a young age, has struggled to maintain his form and fitness. Despite his immense potential, Shaw went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, sparking concerns about his career trajectory.

A Promising Start, But Challenges Mount

Shaw’s rise to fame was meteoric. He captained India to victory in the 2018 U19 World Cup and scored a century on his Test debut against the West Indies. However, his journey has been anything but smooth since then. Injuries, technical flaws, and off-field controversies have hampered his progress.

During the 2018-19 Australia tour, Shaw suffered an injury that ruled him out of the series. By the time he returned in 2021, bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins had exposed chinks in his technique. Dropped from the Test side, he struggled to regain his place in the national team.

Struggles in Domestic Cricket and the IPL

While Shaw showed flashes of brilliance in domestic cricket and the IPL, he failed to cement his place. His tenure with the Delhi Capitals was marked by inconsistency and a fallout with head coach Ricky Ponting. The ultimate setback came when Shaw, despite setting a modest base price of ₹75 lakh, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

Pravin Amre’s Advice: Fitness is Key

Former India batter and coach Pravin Amre, who has worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, believes the young cricketer needs to prioritize his fitness to revive his career. Amre emphasized that Shaw’s cricketing talent is unquestionable, but his lack of fitness is holding him back.

“What Prithvi needs right now is to lose at least 10 kilograms and become match-fit. His skills are God-gifted, but his fitness is preventing him from reaching his potential,” Amre told The Indian Express.

Amre further explained how Shaw’s fitness issues are affecting his batting. “His weight is impacting his footwork and his ability to transfer weight during shots. This makes him late on deliveries and affects his timing. He needs to spend equal time in the gym and at the nets to overcome these challenges.”

The Road Ahead

Amre also highlighted that Shaw’s motivation needs to come from within. “Everyone has tried to guide him, but now he needs to take responsibility. He’s an adult and must help himself. Fitness is not just about physical health; it impacts his performance on the field. He needs to focus on getting into the right position at the crease, and that starts with improving his fitness.”

A Crossroads for Shaw

At just 25, Shaw still has time to turn his career around. His raw talent and hand-eye coordination remain exceptional, but without addressing his fitness and discipline, he risks falling further behind. Whether Shaw can find the motivation to transform himself and reclaim his place in Indian cricket remains to be seen.