Prithvi Shaw opens up on isolating himself and playing PlayStation games

Prithvi Shaw opens up on isolating himself and playing PlayStation games

Prithvi Shaw Chooses Privacy and Focus as He Rebuilds His Cricket Career

Indian batter Prithvi Shaw says he is narrowing his attention to three things: improving himself, spending time with his family and playing cricket. The 26-year-old has reduced his public appearances and stepped away from social media, describing the change as a way to protect his personal space and concentrate on his game.

Shaw’s renewed focus comes as he continues his domestic career with Maharashtra in the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy. The former India opener has shown flashes of the talent that made him one of the country’s most closely watched young batters, but his international opportunities have been limited in recent years. His latest comments offer a glimpse into how he is approaching this phase of his career—and why he is trying to keep outside noise at a distance.

Shaw Says Cricket, Family and Self-Improvement Come First

Speaking to India Today, Shaw said he is working harder than before and has deliberately stepped back from social media. Rather than following public conversations about his career, he wants to focus on his preparation and the people closest to him.

“I am working harder than ever before,” Shaw said. “I am not quite on social media right now. I am just working on myself. Just me, my cricket and my family. Those are the only three things I am focusing on right now.”

His decision reflects a broader challenge faced by high-profile athletes: maintaining concentration while public attention follows every performance. For a cricketer, a lean spell or a change in selection status can quickly become a topic of online debate. Shaw’s approach is to limit the distractions he can control and put his energy into training, family life and the next match.

Why the Batter Is Avoiding Public Attention

Shaw also explained that he is less comfortable going out because of the presence of paparazzi and cameras. He stressed that his choice is not necessarily a criticism of people who enjoy public attention; it is simply a personal preference.

“I just do not like going out anymore,” he said, adding that he does not want cameras around him while he is spending time in his private life. For Shaw, keeping a lower profile appears to be about drawing a clearer boundary between his work as a professional cricketer and his life away from the field.

That distinction can be difficult for a player whose career began under intense scrutiny. Shaw made his international debut in 2018 and announced himself with a century in his first Test, against the West Indies. The achievement raised expectations early, placing him among the most talked-about young batters in Indian cricket. Since then, his journey has included opportunities at the highest level as well as periods outside the national side.

From a Dream Test Debut to a Long Road Back

Shaw has played five Tests, six One-Day Internationals and one T20 International for India. His most recent international appearance came against Sri Lanka in July 2021. While those numbers represent a relatively brief international career so far, his early success ensured that his progress would continue to attract attention.

His current assignment with Maharashtra gives him a platform to build momentum through domestic cricket. The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class competition, places a premium on consistency, patience and the ability to contribute across long innings. Strong performances there can strengthen a player’s case for future selection, although no single score guarantees an international recall. For Shaw, the immediate task is to keep producing meaningful contributions and demonstrate sustained form.

PlayStation, FIFA and a Cricketing “Prediction” for a Big Score

Outside cricket, Shaw says he often prefers staying in his hotel room, watching Netflix or playing video games. His favourites include Grand Theft Auto, FIFA and Tekken. He also plays cricket games, where he has created a career mode featuring himself.

Shaw described the virtual version of his career as a light-hearted way to respond to a disappointing innings. If he is dismissed for a low score in a real match, he can turn to the game and score hundreds on screen—sometimes 400 or 500 runs. It is not a literal prediction of what will happen in the next match, but the playful routine helps him reset and find motivation after a setback.

That small detail offers a more personal view of the batter beyond scorecards and selection discussions. Professional sport demands resilience, and players use different routines to manage frustration. For Shaw, gaming provides entertainment as well as a harmless way to imagine the kind of dominant performance every batter hopes to produce at the crease.

Shaw’s Captaincy Helps Maharashtra Secure a Strong Start

Shaw recently captained Maharashtra in their 2026–27 Ranji Trophy opener against Services at Palam. He made 70 in the first innings and played a useful role in a match that required Maharashtra to defend a fourth-innings target of 248. Rain interrupted proceedings and cost the teams more than a session, adding pressure to the closing stages.

As captain, Shaw backed Maharashtra’s spinners rather than bringing back the in-form fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary. The decision worked: Services were dismissed for 120, giving Maharashtra a convincing win. The result was a positive start to the campaign and a reminder that Shaw’s contribution can extend beyond his batting when he is entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

Captaining a side in a demanding first-class match calls for more than instinct. A skipper must assess the pitch, manage bowlers’ workloads and respond to changing conditions—particularly when rain disrupts the schedule. Maharashtra’s successful defence suggests Shaw was willing to trust his assessment and his spin options when the match reached its decisive phase.

What Comes Next for Prithvi Shaw?

Shaw’s comments do not promise a rapid return to the India squad, and his future will ultimately depend on performances, fitness and the selectors’ plans. But his current priorities are clear: work on his game, stay close to his family and reduce distractions. His opening-round 70 and Maharashtra’s win provide an encouraging early marker, though consistency across the season will matter more than one result.

For supporters following his progress, the most useful prediction is a cautious one: Shaw is focused on making the most of his domestic opportunities, while keeping his private life away from the spotlight. Whether that renewed concentration leads to a sustained run of form remains to be seen. For now, he appears content to let his cricket—not social media or public appearances—do the talking.

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