Prithvi Shavonce heralded as the future of Indian cricket, he is at a crossroads in his career. Touted as a child prodigy, Shaw's early exploits, including leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup and a brilliant Test debut, showed his immense potential. however, his decline was swift, leaving many to wonder if his career can be saved. Although his talent is undeniable, fitness issues, off-field controversies and inconsistent performances have significantly tarnished his reputation.

Prithvi Shav's Home Troubles and IPL 2025 Auction Reviews

Shaw's 2024 domestic season failed to inspire confidence as he managed just 59 runs in four Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. His Syed Mushtak Ali Trophy performance was equally disappointing, with 197 runs in nine matches at an average of 21.88, failing to register a single half-century. Apart from a 26-ball 49 in the quarter-finals, his contribution was largely forgettable, even as Mumbai won the title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 the auction further highlighted his decline in Indian cricket, as no franchise showed interest in buying him. For a player who was once seen as a future Indian captain, this fall serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport and the cost of neglecting discipline and consistency.

Blunt remark by Shreyas Iyer

Mumbai captain Shreyas IyerShaw's teammate and the second highest-priced player in the IPL 2025 auction, assessed Shaw's plight with a mixture of admiration and criticism. Ayer described Shaw as "Given by God", pointing out that his talent is unmatched, but talent without the right attitude and effort has no value in the long run. According to Ayer, Shaw's work ethic remains a major concern, and despite repeated advice from peers and coaches, he struggles to adopt a professional mindset.

"I think, personally, that he is a God-given player. How much talent he possesses as an individual, no one has. That is true. He just needs to improve his work ethic,Iyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Iyer pointed out that Shaw's issues are not new and that the player has been able to overcome challenges in the past. However, he firmly stated that it is Shaw's responsibility to take responsibility for his own career, as no external guidance can replace self-motivation and discipline.

"And I've said that before in many interviews." He needs to get his work ethic right. And if he does, you know, the sky's the limit for him. Can you make him? I can't force him. He played so much cricket. And they all contributed to it. At the end of the day, it's his job to go out there and figure things out for himself." added the 30-year-old.

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Iyer's tough reality check

Iyer's comments about Shaw have struck a chord in cricket circles as he bluntly said that professionals at the highest level need to take ownership of their careers. "We can't keep anyone safe," Ayer noted, pointing out that Shaw has to come up with solutions to his struggles on his own. Iyer acknowledged Shaw's achievements so far, but stressed that sustained effort is key to sustaining success in modern cricket. He noted that Shaw has received enough advice and guidance from teammates and coaches, but in the end he has to step up and solve his problems.

"We can't keep anyone safe, can we?" Any professional playing at this level must know what to do. And he has done it in the past too. Not that it isn't. He has to focus. He has to sit back, put on his thinking cap and then figure himself out. He will get an answer. Nobody can force him to do anything" Iyer concluded.

Can Shaw revive his career?

Shaw is now at a critical juncture where his career could either take a turn for the better or descend further. Despite his struggles, Shaw still has age on his side and the potential to bounce back. To achieve this, he must undergo a complete transformation, focusing on fitness, perfecting his technique and building mental toughness.

Shaw must embrace the discipline required to compete at the highest level, seeking inspiration from players who have successfully rebuilt their careers after failure. His next steps will determine whether he emerges as a redemption story or remains a cautionary tale in Indian cricket.

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