Iyer Criticizes Shaw’s Form and Fitness Challenges

Prithvi Shaw, once a standout prospect heralded as the future of Indian cricket, now faces significant challenges in his career. Known for captaining India to a U19 World Cup victory and making an impressive Test debut, Shaw’s trajectory has drastically shifted. Recent assessments by Shreyas Iyer shed light on Shaw’s ongoing struggles with form and fitness.

In recent performances, Shaw’s limitations have been manifest. During the domestic 2024 season, he accumulated only 59 runs across four matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. His output in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was similarly disappointing, with a mere 197 runs over nine matches, an average of 21.88, and no half-century to show for his efforts. His sporadic flashes of prowess, including a 26-ball 49 in one quarterfinal, were overshadowed by generally lackluster contributions. Despite his team, Mumbai, claiming the title, Shaw’s role remained limited.

The decline in Shaw’s cricketing status became more apparent when he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, signaling a reduced stature within the cricketing community. Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer addressed Shaw’s situation, emphasizing that Shaw possesses undeniable talent but lacks the requisite work ethic. Iyer advised that without combining talent with effort and attitude, long-term success remains elusive. He underscored that Shaw must rely on self-discipline and intrinsic motivation, as no external intervention can substitute personal dedication.

Iyer’s observations highlight Shaw’s necessity to rectify his approach—focusing on fitness, honing his technique, and enhancing mental resilience. These adjustments may be critical for a potential resurrection of his career. However, should no meaningful changes take place, Shaw’s career trajectory may continue its current downward path.

The cricket community keenly watches as Shaw positions himself at this critical juncture, weighing the consequences of his next steps that could either rejuvenate or further jeopardize his prospects in Indian cricket.