Prithvi Shaw, once celebrated as a "generational talent," now finds himself at a challenging juncture in his cricketing journey. The right-handed batsman, who captained India to victory in the 2018 U19 World Cup and made a striking entrance into international cricket with a century on his Test debut, has experienced a significant decline in his career in recent years.

Despite the promise he showed early on, Shaw has faced difficulties in achieving consistency, with his performances falling short of the high expectations established during his formative years. At 24, he was once viewed as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, yet he has not attracted any bids from franchises. His failure to secure a place in the national team over the past three years, coupled with challenges in domestic cricket, has only deepened the enigma surrounding his career.

Shaw's childhood coach, Jwala Singh, expressed his concerns regarding Shaw's recent struggles, noting that it "saddens" him to witness the difficulties faced by the Indian player.

"It is indeed disappointing. Prithvi was my first student to play in the U19 World Cup. The way he began his career, scoring a century on his Test debut and being named man of the series, led many to compare him to the next Sachin Tendulkar. Now, he finds himself dropped from the Ranji team and going unsold in the IPL. It is disheartening to see him in this situation. I have provided him with much guidance as a coach, but witnessing his current state is surprising," Singh remarked.

"I remember him as a disciplined young athlete. However, I now hear concerns about his fitness and discipline. I have not seen him in person since 2017; prior to that, he would visit me two to three times a week. His dedication back then was commendable, but seeing his recent photos has left me astonished. He achieved so much at a young age, and now, with questions surrounding his performances, he remains unsold.

"Nevertheless, he is still young. He must put in the effort and engage in self-reflection. At 25, he has accomplished a great deal, but he needs to focus on personal development."

Influence of money

Jwala suggested that the impact of financial incentives, particularly the substantial IPL contracts, significantly contributed to Shaw's decline. The coach emphasized the necessity for Shaw to resist these "temptations" and concentrate on his performance to stage a successful return.

"Anyone can be swayed by financial gain. We are all human. However, what truly matters is how one manages oneself after acquiring wealth. It is essential to maintain focus on cricket, and one’s work ethic must not be compromised. Improvement in one’s game is crucial. If we analyze Prithvi Shaw's performance, it remains largely unchanged since the U19 World Cup; he continues to struggle with the pull shot and has not evolved his skills. It is important to respect a competent bowler, yet he has failed to adapt.

“The IPL presents temptations, especially for those from modest backgrounds. This phase lasts for about 3-4 years, and those who navigate through it successfully will thrive. Prithvi has yet to grasp this concept. There is ample time in life to enjoy,” Jwala remarked.

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