Jobaaj Stories
The exclusion of Prithvi Shaw from Mumbai’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy marks another setback for the once-promising cricketer. Despite being considered a future star for India, Shaw’s struggles with fitness, discipline, and form have overshadowed his undeniable talent, leading Mumbai selectors to explore other options.
Fitness and Discipline Issues
Sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have highlighted Shaw’s declining fitness and on-field performance as critical factors in his exclusion. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), officials noted that Shaw's fielding was subpar, often requiring the team to compensate for his lack of agility.
“In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, we were playing with 10 fielders as we were forced to hide Prithvi Shaw. The ball would pass near him, and he would barely be able to get to it,” an anonymous MCA official told PTI.
The situation is compounded by Shaw’s reported lack of discipline. During the SMAT, he allegedly stayed out late and returned to the hotel at 6 a.m., missing crucial training sessions. This behavior led to complaints from senior players within the team, further straining his relationship with the management.
Struggles with Batting Performance
While Shaw has demonstrated strong potential with an average of 55 in List A cricket, his recent performances have not met expectations. In the SMAT, he managed only 197 runs in seven matches, falling short of the standards required of an opener.
“Even while batting, we could see he was struggling to reach the ball. His fitness, discipline, and attitude are poor, and there cannot be different rules for different players,” the MCA official explained.
Social Media Outburst
Shaw’s frustration over his exclusion was evident in a belligerent Instagram post where he highlighted his past performances in 50-over cricket. However, MCA officials dismissed the impact of such posts on their decision-making, emphasizing that the team prioritizes discipline and fitness over social media narratives.
“Even the seniors in the team have started complaining about his attitude now. Social media posts will not influence the selectors or the MCA,” the official added.
A Critical Moment in Shaw’s Career
Shaw’s omission is a significant blow, especially given his talent and previous contributions to Mumbai’s success in domestic tournaments like the SMAT and Ranji Trophy. With Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign starting against Karnataka on Saturday in Ahmedabad, Shaw must address these issues to regain the trust of his team and selectors.
