Explained: The Curious Case of Prithvi Shaw’s Absence from the Indian Cricket Team

News Explained: Why Prithvi Shaw hasn’t played for India in over two years, despite being a record-breaking prodigy

Injuries, Disciplinary Issues, and Bad Luck

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious cricket talent from India, has been absent from the Indian national team for over two years now, despite his remarkable achievements in the sport. Shaw’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, from his record-breaking performances as a young player to his successful debut on the international stage. However, a combination of technical deficiencies, disciplinary issues, injuries, and even a doping violation has kept him out of the limelight.

Early Success and Setbacks

Shaw’s career started with a bang, with incredible achievements at a young age. From scoring a staggering 546 runs in a Harris Shield match as a 14-year-old to becoming the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut, he seemed destined for greatness. However, this initial success was followed by setbacks.

Injuries and Doping Violation

After his debut series against West Indies, where he scored 237 runs in two Tests, Shaw faced injury troubles and a doping violation. He missed out on the Border Gavaskar series in 2018-19 due to an ankle injury and was subsequently suspended for eight months for consuming a cough syrup containing a prohibited substance. This suspension resulted in him missing home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.

Dip in Form and Confidence

Following a decent performance in a Test series in New Zealand, Shaw’s form dipped significantly. The pandemic-hit IPL 2020 season was particularly disastrous for him, as he could only muster 228 runs at an average of 17.5. Additionally, the cancellation of the 2020-21 season of the Ranji Trophy further hindered his development.

Technical Issues and Competition

While Shaw was initially selected for the Test side during the tour of Australia in 2020-21, his struggle with confidence and technical issues became apparent. With his peer and teammate from the Under-19 World Cup, Shubman Gill, waiting in the wings, Shaw’s opportunities to prove himself became limited. He subsequently faced two low scores in the first Test and was dropped from the team.

Hot and Cold Performances and Off-field Controversies

Since his last international appearance in July 2021, Shaw’s performances have been inconsistent in domestic cricket and the IPL. While he showcased his capabilities with a triple century in the Ranji Trophy, his overall returns were underwhelming. Off the field, Shaw faced controversies, ranging from involvement in a club fight to cryptic social media posts, which further tarnished his reputation.

Struggles in IPL

Shaw had good seasons in the IPL in 2021 and 2022 but experienced a significant fall in performance in 2023, with an average of 13.2 from eight games. This poor showing in the IPL led to him falling out of favor again.

Current Situation and Future Prospects

Currently, Shaw is participating in the One-Day Cup in England, where he recently scored a record-breaking double hundred for Northamptonshire against Somerset. Despite this impressive display, concerns have been raised regarding his shape and fitness. In a recent interview, Shaw expressed his desire to represent India for 12-14 years and win a World Cup for his country.

Resuming his India Dream

While Shaw’s recent performance has certainly caught attention, his path back to the Indian national team remains uncertain. The selectors and team management will be closely monitoring his consistency, fitness, and off-field behavior before making any decisions. Shaw must address the technical flaws that have plagued him at the international level and regain the confidence that propelled him to success early in his career.

Editorial: A Lesson in Resilience and Redemption

The Mercurial Nature of Sport

Prithvi Shaw’s journey in cricket is a testament to the mercurial nature of sports. He started as a record-breaking prodigy, capturing the imagination of cricket fans around the world. However, his subsequent struggles, both on and off the field, have highlighted the challenges that even the most promising talents can face.

Lessons in Resilience

Shaw’s story serves as a lesson in resilience. Despite enduring setbacks, disciplinary issues, and injuries, he has continued to persevere and make significant contributions in domestic cricket. His recent double hundred in the One-Day Cup is an example of the talent and determination that still resides within him.

The Road to Redemption

For Shaw, the road to redemption lies in addressing the technical deficiencies that have hindered his progress at the highest level. Additionally, he must mature both as a player and as an individual, learning from his past mistakes and demonstrating a greater sense of discipline and professionalism.

Advice for Shaw

To regain his place in the Indian national team, Shaw must focus on consistency, both in terms of on-field performance and off-field behavior. He needs to work closely with coaches and mentors to refine his technique and regain the confidence that made him a standout performer in his early years.

A Chance for Shaw’s Second Innings

The cricketing world is a forgiving one, and Shaw still has time on his side. With his undeniable talent and a renewed commitment to self-improvement, there is every chance that he could make a successful comeback and fulfill his dream of representing India at the highest level again.

Editorial Conclusion

Prithvi Shaw’s absence from the Indian national team has been a topic of discussion and speculation. While his undeniable talent and past achievements make a strong case for his inclusion, the challenges he has faced illustrate the complexities of team selection and the need for consistent performance and personal growth. As cricket fans, we can only hope that Shaw learns from his experiences, grows as a player and person, and ultimately makes a triumphant return to the international stage.