Prithvi Shaw’s struggles with form continued as the Mumbai opener failed to make an impact in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final. Chasing a target of 177, Shaw departed after scoring just 10 runs off six balls, adding to a forgettable campaign in the domestic T20 tournament. His inconsistent performances have once again raised questions about his fitness and future in professional cricket.
Disappointing Campaign Adds to Shaw’s Troubles
Shaw has endured a challenging year in cricket. Despite a quick 49-run knock in the SMAT semi-final, the 24-year-old failed to notch a single fifty throughout the tournament, scoring only 197 runs in nine matches. This dip in form follows a string of setbacks, including being dropped from the Delhi Capitals’ playing XI during IPL 2023 due to poor performances and eventually being released by the franchise. In a further blow, Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction, leaving his future in the league uncertain.
Fan Reactions to Shaw’s Struggles
The SMAT final seemed like an opportunity for Shaw to make a statement, but his early dismissal left fans disappointed. Many took to social media to criticise his performance, with some highlighting his lack of fitness and consistency. One fan remarked, “Rightly went unsold in IPL,” reflecting the growing frustration among his supporters.
Despite Shaw’s failure, Mumbai managed to chase down the target with ease, thanks to impactful contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (37), Suryakumar Yadav (48), and Suryansh Shedge, who smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 15 deliveries.
Path Ahead: Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shaw is expected to return to action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic fifty-over tournament. The Mumbai Cricket Association has named him in their list of probables, giving the batter another chance to find his form and silence critics.
Childhood Coach Expresses Concern
Shaw’s ongoing struggles have also drawn attention from his childhood coach, Jwala Singh, who expressed disappointment over the batter’s decline. Singh, who coached Shaw during his early years, shared his thoughts on the player’s challenging journey.
“It’s heartbreaking to see Prithvi like this,” said Singh. “He started his career with a bang, scoring a century on his Test debut and being compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar. But now, he’s getting dropped from Ranji matches, going unsold in the IPL—it’s surprising and saddening. I’ve always guided him, but he needs to refocus on his game and make a strong comeback.”
A Career at Crossroads
Once considered one of India’s brightest young talents, Shaw now finds himself at a career crossroads. With the Vijay Hazare Trophy on the horizon, the 24-year-old will look to put his struggles behind him and reclaim his place as a top-tier batter in domestic and international cricket. However, with fans and experts demanding consistency, Shaw’s road to redemption will require not just runs but a renewed commitment to fitness and discipline.
