Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has urged Prithvi Shaw to prioritize improving his work ethic to regain his place in the Indian cricket team. Once regarded as a prodigy and the future of Indian cricket, Shaw has recently faced challenges, including being dropped from Mumbai’s domestic squad.
Shaw was excluded from the Mumbai side, led by Iyer, for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although he was part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-winning team, his performances lacked consistency. In the tournament, Shaw scored 197 runs at an average of 21.88, with a strike rate of 156.34. His highest score of 49 runs came off 26 balls in the quarterfinal match against Vidarbha.
Iyer, who has captained Shaw multiple times, described him as a “god-gifted” player blessed with exceptional talent. However, he emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline in helping Shaw return to form.
“Prithvi started his career on a brilliant note. He has an incredible ability to time the ball and score runs at an impressive pace. Everyone in the team agrees that he is blessed with extraordinary talent. But for him to bounce back, focusing on his work ethic is crucial. He is truly god-gifted,” Iyer told The Indian Express.
Shaw Goes Unsold in IPL 2025 Auction
Adding to Shaw’s woes, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction despite setting a low base price of INR 50 lakh. None of the franchises showed interest in acquiring the 25-year-old, reflecting his recent struggles with form and fitness.
Last season, Shaw struggled to secure a regular spot in Delhi Capitals’ playing XI due to inconsistent performances. In eight matches, he scored 198 runs at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 163.64, with just one half-century.
A Promising Start, but Challenges Persist
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the international scene in 2018, debuting in Tests after leading India to a U19 World Cup victory. However, his career has been marred by injuries, disciplinary issues, and a lack of consistent form. These factors have pushed him lower in the pecking order for national selection.
While Shaw’s career has stalled, several players from his U19 World Cup-winning squad have become key members of the Indian team. Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh are now regulars across formats, while Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag have made their mark in T20 cricket.
For Shaw, the road to redemption lies in rediscovering his form and fitness, as well as addressing the work ethic concerns highlighted by Iyer. With his undeniable talent, he has the potential to stage a remarkable comeback if he embraces discipline and determination.
