Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre namedropped as Rohit Sharma’s coach opens on Prithvi Shaw spoiling his career
Former Coach Dinesh Lad Shares Insights on Prithvi Shaw’s Career
Renowned Indian cricket coach Dinesh Lad recently shed light on the disappointing trajectory of Prithvi Shaw’s career, attributing it to the young cricketer’s questionable choices. Lad, who has been associated with Shaw since the age of 10, emphasized the immense talent possessed by the player but highlighted how misguided decisions had led to his downfall.
A Promising Start Followed by a Downfall
Prithvi Shaw initially emerged as a bright prospect in Indian cricket, making a memorable international debut by scoring a century. His early performances drew comparisons to iconic cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Brian Lara from then-head coach Ravi Shastri. However, Shaw’s form gradually declined, culminating in his failure to secure a bid at the IPL 2025 mega auction, signaling a significant setback in his career.
In a candid discussion on a YouTube podcast with Gaurav Manglani, Dinesh Lad expressed his disappointment regarding Shaw’s choices, which he believes contributed to the player’s downfall. Lad reminisced about Shaw’s undeniable talent and potential, underscoring the pivotal role of individual decisions in shaping a cricketer’s journey.
The Road Ahead for Indian Cricket
Despite Shaw’s struggles, Lad remains optimistic about the future of Indian cricket, citing promising talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre who have been making a mark in both IPL and age-group competitions. Lad highlighted the need for a player with Shaw’s caliber in the team, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talents to ensure the continued success of Indian cricket.
Shaw’s last competitive appearance was in the Mumbai T20 League 2025, where he captained the North Mumbai Panthers. The team finished fifth in the points table, with Shaw’s performance yielding 137 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 163.10.
Reflecting on Shaw’s International Journey
Prithvi Shaw’s international career saw promising highlights, including a commendable Test debut with a century against the West Indies in 2018. However, the right-handed batter struggled to maintain consistency, accumulating 339 runs in five Tests at an average of 42.37.
Having played six ODIs and a solitary T20I in 2021, Shaw’s limited opportunities at the international level have hindered his progression. Despite being named in India’s squad for the 2023 home T20I series against New Zealand, Shaw’s involvement remained minimal, reflecting the challenges he has faced in securing a regular spot in the national team.
Looking Ahead
Following his exclusion from Mumbai’s squads in the previous domestic season due to reported fitness concerns, Shaw is now poised to represent Maharashtra in the upcoming 2025-26 domestic season. As he embarks on this new chapter, Shaw faces the challenge of reigniting his career and proving his mettle in the domestic circuit to potentially earn a recall to the national team.
Despite the setbacks and challenges encountered along the way, Prithvi Shaw’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of a cricketer’s career, underscoring the importance of resilience, perseverance, and making informed decisions to navigate the complexities of professional sports.
Learning from Past Mistakes
As Dinesh Lad reflects on Prithvi Shaw’s career, it becomes evident that the young cricketer’s downfall was not solely due to a lack of talent but rather a series of questionable choices. Lad emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and making decisions that align with long-term goals. Shaw’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring cricketers, highlighting the significance of staying grounded, focused, and disciplined amidst the glamour and pressures of professional cricket.
The Impact of Mental Strength
One aspect that often goes unnoticed in a cricketer’s journey is the role of mental strength. While Shaw undoubtedly possesses immense talent, his struggles with consistency and performance could be attributed to mental hurdles that have impacted his game. Developing resilience, mental fortitude, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are crucial aspects that Shaw, and aspiring cricketers alike, need to focus on to excel in the competitive world of cricket.
Opportunities for Redemption
Shaw’s upcoming stint with Maharashtra in the domestic season presents a valuable opportunity for redemption. By focusing on honing his skills, improving his fitness levels, and showcasing his capabilities on the field, Shaw can potentially work his way back into contention for national team selection. The domestic circuit serves as a proving ground for cricketers to demonstrate their worth, and Shaw’s performance with Maharashtra could pave the way for a successful comeback.
Mentorship and Guidance
In the realm of professional sports, mentorship and guidance play a pivotal role in shaping a player’s career. Dinesh Lad’s insights into Shaw’s journey underscore the importance of having experienced mentors who can provide direction, support, and constructive feedback. As Shaw navigates through this crucial phase of his career, seeking guidance from mentors and coaches who believe in his potential could be instrumental in his resurgence in the cricketing world.
Building a Support System
Beyond talent and skill, a strong support system can make a significant difference in a cricketer’s career. Shaw’s inner circle, comprising family, friends, coaches, and well-wishers, can offer the much-needed encouragement, motivation, and perspective during challenging times. Cultivating a robust support network and surrounding oneself with individuals who have the player’s best interests at heart can aid in navigating the highs and lows of a professional cricketing career.
Embracing Growth and Evolution
Prithvi Shaw’s journey serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of a cricketer’s career. Embracing growth, learning from experiences, and adapting to challenges are essential components of a successful sporting career. Shaw’s ability to reflect on past mistakes, make necessary adjustments, and evolve as a player will be critical in shaping his future trajectory and solidifying his position in the competitive realm of Indian cricket.
As Shaw embarks on a new chapter with Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits his resurgence and hopes for a successful comeback that showcases his undeniable talent and potential. Through perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, Shaw has the opportunity to script a remarkable turnaround in his career, inspiring aspiring cricketers and fans alike.


