Explained: The Mystery Behind 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

Introduction

Prithvi Shaw, the young cricket prodigy, recently made headlines once again by scoring his second double hundred in a county game for Northamptonshire. However, despite his undeniable talent and remarkable achievements, Shaw has been absent from the Indian national team for more than two years. This article aims to explore the reasons behind Shaw’s extended absence, which encompasses technical deficiencies, disciplinary and fitness issues, as well as a series of unfortunate events.

Early Success and Setbacks

Prithvi Shaw’s cricket journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He gained recognition at a young age with his world record-breaking score of 546 runs in a Harris Shield match when he was just 14 years old. He continued to impress by scoring a century on his first-class debut at the age of 17 and leading the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the 2018 World Cup. Shaw’s meteoric rise culminated in becoming the youngest Indian player to score a century on Test debut.

However, Shaw’s initial success was followed by a series of setbacks. Firstly, he missed the Border Gavaskar series in 2018-19 due to an ankle injury sustained during a warm-up match. Then, in 2019-20, he faced a suspension for a doping violation after consuming a cough syrup that contained a prohibited substance. This suspension resulted in him missing out on the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.

Dip in Form and Confidence

After making a promising start to his international career, Shaw witnessed a dip in form and confidence. His performance in the two-Test series against New Zealand was lackluster, and the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) proved to be a disaster for him, scoring only 228 runs at an average of 17.5. Additionally, the cancellation of the 2020-21 season of the Ranji Trophy due to the pandemic further hindered Shaw’s opportunities to regain his form.

Hot and Cold Performances and Off-Field Controversies

Since his last appearance for India in July 2021, Shaw’s performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have been inconsistent. While he registered a triple century in the 2022-2023 Ranji Trophy, his overall performance remained underwhelming. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he averaged 31, and in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, his numbers were better, but there were doubts about his performance against stronger teams.

Furthermore, Shaw found himself embroiled in off-field controversies, ranging from involvement in a fight outside a club to posting cryptic social media posts. These distractions raised concerns about his focus and commitment to the sport, overshadowing his on-field potential.

Current Situation and Future Prospects

Prithvi Shaw’s recent record-breaking double hundred in a county game has once again brought him into the spotlight. However, questions about his shape and fitness continue to surround him. While Shaw expressed his ambition to play for India for 12-14 years and win a World Cup, his chances of making a comeback to the national team remain uncertain.

The selectors have consistently favored his U-19 World Cup teammate, Shubman Gill, who has seized the opportunities provided to him. Shaw’s poor performance in the IPL 2023 further diminished his chances of reclaiming his spot in the Indian team. Currently, Shaw is participating in the One-Day Cup in England, where he has had a couple of decent starts.

Editorial and Advice

The case of Prithvi Shaw raises questions about the delicate balance between talent and discipline in the realm of sports. While Shaw undoubtedly possesses exceptional skills on the cricket field, his disciplinary issues and inconsistencies have impeded his progress.

It is crucial for Shaw to address his off-field controversies and display a greater level of commitment and professionalism. By doing so, he can regain the trust of the selectors and fans, and improve his chances of making a successful comeback to the Indian team.

Furthermore, Shaw must prioritize his fitness and work on improving his technique to avoid technical deficiencies that emerge at the highest level of the game. Consistency and a resilient mindset are essential ingredients for sustained success in international cricket.

In conclusion, Prithvi Shaw’s absence from the Indian team for over two years is a complex issue that stems from a combination of technical shortcomings, disciplinary concerns, and the emergence of other talented players. Shaw needs to address these challenges head-on and focus on his growth as both a player and an individual. Only then can he hope to fulfill his dream of representing India for years to come and winning a World Cup for his country.