In a landmark move last month, Rishabh Pant secured his position as the highest-paid player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Lucknow SuperGiants acquired the wicketkeeper-batsman for a staggering 27 crore rupees (£2.54m) during the mega auction held in Saudi Arabia.
The news that Prithvi Shaw, a teammate of Pant on the Delhi Capitals, had gone unsold captured significant attention.
Seated in the auction, ready to make bids, were Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, who had a close association with Shaw during his tenure with the Capitals. Also present was Rahul Dravid, who served as coach when India clinched the under-19 World Cup with Shaw in 2018.
Their lack of enthusiasm was evident. Shaw needed more interest.
In a twist of fate, merely nine months before the commencement of the 2024 IPL season, Pant’s career appeared to be hanging by a thread.
A devastating car accident in December 2022 resulted in numerous life-threatening injuries for him. Demonstrating remarkable resolve, unwavering determination, and strong self-discipline, Pant navigated his way back from what appeared to be a career dead-end.
Pant tackled the challenges of IPL 2024 with determination and success, leading to a swift return to international cricket. He played a crucial role in the squad clinched the T20 World Cup title.
With a commanding performance in the domestic Duleep Trophy, he has set the stage for a remarkable comeback to Test cricket. In the match against Bangladesh, he showcased his prowess with a superb century that illuminated the pitch.
Shaw finds himself in a precarious position, grappling with the fallout from a few disappointing IPL seasons, as he navigates a series of escalating challenges.
His lacklustre performance in IPL 2024 resulted in his removal from the playing XI during the middle of the season. Recent performances marked by low scores have resulted in his exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team this season. The recent outright rejection during the IPL mega auction has placed his career on the brink of an untimely conclusion.
The 25-year-old has experienced a significant decline, having not long ago been hailed as the ‘next big thing’ in Indian cricket.
In November 2013, Shaw made headlines at 14 by scoring an impressive 546 runs for Rizvi Springfield during the Harris Shield, a renowned school cricket tournament. The achievement marked the highest score recorded globally in minor cricket then.
Sachin Tendulkar, revered as India’s greatest cricketer, had just announced his retirement a week prior, prompting immediate comparisons to the legendary player for Shaw.
Tendulkar’s remarkable ascent to prominence, marked by his world record 664-run partnership with Vinod Kambli in a school match in 1987, has inspired numerous batting prodigies, particularly from Mumbai. Shaw was among those individuals.
Shaw, characterised by his short and stocky build, lacked the technical finesse that Tendulkar displayed even in his teenage years. His impeccable sense of timing allowed him to launch an aggressive assault on the bowlers, showcasing a flair that quickly captivated the selectors.
He quickly ascended to first-class cricket, reminiscent of Tendulkar, scoring a century on his debut in the domestic Ranji and Duleep Trophy, intensifying the comparisons between the two players.
In late 2018, he received a call-up to the Test squad for the match against the West Indies. Shaw scored 134 runs from only 154 balls, showcasing a series of powerful drives, precise cuts, and strong pulls. At just 19 years old, he was still in the early stages of his life. Among Indians, only Tendulkar achieved the milestone of scoring his maiden Test century at a younger age.
Regarded as a promising successor to cricket legends Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Shaw appeared to have a bright future ahead of him. However, he has faced a series of challenges since that time.
Six years following his remarkable debut, he participated in just four additional Test matches. The addition of six One Day Internationals and a single T20 International results in a disappointing total of international matches for a batsman whose early talent had suggested a bright and lengthy career ahead.
Shaw’s challenges began with an unfortunate foot injury that led to his return from the 2020 tour of Australia. Later that year, he received a positive test result for a prohibited substance and managed to secure a relatively lenient penalty. Following that period, his batting performance declined consistently, with moments of excellence rarely occurring, failing to capture selectors’ attention.
In the interim, reports circulated regarding Shaw’s involvement in extravagant parties and altercations. By the midpoint of IPL 2024, he found himself under scrutiny. Following the IPL 2025 mega auction, his career is uncertain.
Injury, illness, and poor form can disrupt even the most talented athletes. Yet, sources familiar with Shaw’s situation indicate that misfortune has been a minor factor in his troubling decline.
Ricky Ponting, the Delhi Capitals coach, reflected on his experiences working with Shaw, stating, “There’s only so much [advice] you can give and only so many times you can try [to sort him out].”
Praveen Amre, the former India batsman and assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals, expressed his views with notable clarity. Prithvi’s struggle to manage the pressures of IPL fame and financial success has ultimately led to his downfall. In multiple conversations, I have referenced Vinod Kambli as a cautionary tale, illustrating how a lack of discipline can lead to the squandering of a promising career. Amre spoke to a national daily.
The IPL has transformed the lives of young players, providing them with a vital platform for showcasing their talent and securing their livelihoods. However, the obstacles associated with early success, sudden fame, and swift wealth accumulation remain significant concerns.
With his background as a coach for the U-19 and India A teams, Rahul Dravid has highlighted the importance of enhanced mentoring at the junior level to ensure players remain focused and on course. Shaw’s difficulties highlight the significance of his perspective.
The future of Shaw remains uncertain, and only time will reveal what lies ahead.
At 25, he possesses a significant advantage in terms of youth. Indian cricket is experiencing a surge of talent, with fierce competition for roster spots. The journey ahead is entirely uphill.
Many of the most compelling narratives in sports revolve around remarkable comebacks. Prithvi Shaw’s future success hinges on the support of those around him. His inner circle must encourage him to stop social media and focus on rigorous training to achieve peak fitness.
The move aims to redirect him towards a trajectory where previous achievements may be reclaimed. Such remarkable talent should not be squandered. Kevin Pietersen, the former captain of the England cricket team, took to X to share his thoughts.
Shaw has received a definitive message. He holds the key to his redemption.
