Prithvi Shaw Chooses Clarity Over Noise After Turbulent Cricket Phase
NEW DELHI: "I like to be in the present." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the renewed outlook of Delhi Capitals batter Prithvi Shaw, following a challenging period that saw him lose his spot in the IPL and his place in the Mumbai team. After a much-needed mental reset, Shaw is now focusing on clarity and quality practice as he prepares for the upcoming season.
A Refreshing Break and Intensified Work Ethic
Reflecting on his time away from the spotlight, Shaw shared insights with reporters ahead of Delhi Capitals' intra-squad match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. "Last year when I didn't play IPL, I enjoyed my life a lot. I visited several places to refresh my mind, and then I returned with renewed vigor," he explained. The break allowed him to strengthen himself mentally and reconnect with his family.
"It was just a needed break so that I can strengthen myself mentally. I got a lot of family time, and I was happy with it," Shaw emphasized. Upon his return, he didn't just resume his old routine; he amplified it. "I practised, worked hard... whatever I used to do, I started doing it three times. And I think it was a good break for me. I can't say that I took a step back."
Addressing IPL Struggles and External Expectations
Shaw, who has played 79 matches for Delhi Capitals since joining in 2018, faced a dip in form during IPL 2023 and 2024, failing to cross 200 runs in both seasons. This led to him being dropped and eventually going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. While admitting the past few seasons haven't been ideal, he remains grounded about the expectations placed upon him.
"In the last couple of years, IPL didn't go very well for me. Not really bad, not really good. But obviously, people do expect a lot, especially when it comes to an opening batter," Shaw acknowledged. His solution? A return to basics with an emphasis on quality over quantity in practice. "You have to give your 100% during practice... And there should be quality practice... at some stage, you have to have quality practice."
Navigating Fame, Mistakes, and Personal Growth
Having been labelled a prodigy from a young age, Shaw addressed the weight of external expectations and his own humanity. "Sir, I didn't write this. That I am this, I am that. I am a human being. I will make mistakes," he stated candidly. He highlighted the importance of his tight-knit support system, keeping his circle limited to family and close friends.
"My family knows me. I have kept as many friends in my life as my fingers, so they know me inside out," Shaw shared. To protect his mental space, he has consciously stepped back from media noise. "If you see social media every time, I come. If you see in the paper, I come. So, I stopped seeing those things. These were the things that kept me away from all this."
Controversial Mumbai Dropping and Move to Maharashtra
One of the toughest phases came when Shaw was dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy side last year, citing poor fitness and lack of discipline—a reason he disagreed with. "The reason that was given to me was not valid according to me. So even at that time, I smiled and left. I said, it's okay," he recalled, noting he didn't contest the decision with selectors or officials.
This led to a move to Maharashtra, which proved beneficial. "Maharashtra was a little close to Mumbai, and I had friends over there, so I went there. And it was very good," said Shaw. He scored 537 runs in seven Ranji Trophy matches, including a double hundred, along with contributions in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies. While the numbers weren't eye-catching, the opportunity to play was crucial, shifting his approach to life. "I feel we think a lot about the future... I like to be in the present."
Unwavering Ambition for an India Comeback
Despite the setbacks, Shaw's desire to represent India again remains strong. "If I don't think of a comeback, it will be wrong because I am playing for that. Obviously, who wouldn't want to play for India?" he affirmed. However, he has adopted a more present-focused mindset to manage pressure. "I used to keep targets, but when you can't achieve them, you feel more pressure. So, I am a present person. I like to be here right now."
Looking ahead, Shaw is likely to open with KL Rahul for the Delhi Capitals, with the Axar Patel-led team starting their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1. Through it all, Shaw's passion for the game remains undimmed. "This is my passion, and no one can take this away from me, no matter how much anyone writes about me."
