Prithvi Shaw’s Controversies: From Shreyas Iyer’s Latest Criticism to Public Brawl and Other Setbacks

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In cricket, like any sport, it’s not just talent that makes or breaks a player, but a robust work ethic and commitment to self-improvement. Unfortunately, for young Prithvi Shaw, this lesson is yet to be learned, despite his raw potential.

As Mumbai's captain, Shreyas Iyer, aptly put it, Prithvi has the talent, but it’s his work ethic that needs an overhaul if he wants to claim his place at the top of the cricketing world.

But let’s take a closer look at the not-so-easy ride Prithvi has had over the years. Despite having a great start, it seems like he’s faced a series of self-inflicted speed bumps. From off-field controversies to questionable work ethics, the road to his full potential remains a challenging one.

1. The IPL Snub – 2025 Auction Blues

For a man with a century on his Test debut, it's surprising that Prithvi Shaw’s journey hasn't been as smooth as one might expect. In fact, in the 2025 IPL auction, he went unsold. A major reason? Concerns about his work ethic and patchy form. Despite being only 25, his international career has been a tale of missed opportunities, with just 12 matches under his belt since 2018.

His captain, Shreyas Iyer, isn’t the only one who’s noticed this. Former cricketers like Kevin Pietersen also weighed in, urging Shaw to get back on track. “If Prithvi Shaw has decent people around him who care about his long-term success, they’d sit him down, tell him to get off social media & train his backside off,” Pietersen wrote, hoping to nudge Shaw back to his prime.

2. December 2020 – The 'Fake Injury’ Incident

In 2020, during a warm-up game ahead of the Australia Test series, Prithvi Shaw was caught in a rather awkward situation. While fielding, he was hit on the shin pad but attempted to limp off the field, suggesting an injury. Ajinkya Rahane, with his sharp eye, quickly saw through the act, recognizing that the injury was not real. Rahane’s no-nonsense approach was a wake-up call for Prithvi, subtly pushing him to take the game more seriously.

3. April 2021 – Ponting’s Criticism

By 2021, Prithvi Shaw’s troubles deepened, especially during his time with Delhi Capitals in the IPL. During a rough patch, he refused to practice, despite being urged by his coach, Ricky Ponting, to work on his game. The latter expressed frustration at Prithvi’s reluctance to take corrective steps. "He looked me in the eye and said, 'No, I’m not batting today.’ I couldn’t really work that out,” Ponting remarked (via The Tribune), highlighting Shaw’s poor attitude toward self-improvement.

4. February 2023 – The Public Brawl

In February 2023, Prithvi Shaw found himself at the center of yet another controversy. While dining with friends, he was approached by a group of fans for selfies. He obliged but refused a second request. What followed was a vandalized car and accusations of molestation, which were later refuted by the police.

The incident added yet another layer to Prithvi’s turbulent career and raised questions about his personal conduct.

5. October 2024 – Exclusion from Mumbai’s Ranji Squad

In 2024, Prithvi Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad after failing to impress in the first two rounds of the tournament. The decision was seen as a wake-up call for the 25-year-old, sending a strong message about the importance of discipline, commitment, and consistency.

Team management and selectors voiced concerns over Prithvi’s fitness, attitude, and focus, reinforcing the idea that talent alone is not enough in the competitive world of cricket.

6. July 2019 – Doping Violation

Perhaps one of the most damaging moments in Prithvi Shaw’s career came in 2019 when he was suspended for testing positive for terbutaline, a substance found in some cough syrups. Prithvi, who claimed to have taken the medicine for a cold, faced an eight-month ban from the BCCI. His suspension came as a stark reminder that shortcuts and lack of attention to detail can have far-reaching consequences, not just for a player's reputation but for their career as a whole.

It’s clear that Prithvi Shaw’s career is a mixed bag of missed opportunities, controversies, and raw talent waiting to be fully realized. While his on-field performances have been impressive, his off-field conduct and approach to training have often let him down.