MCA official claims Prithvi Shaw missed Mumbai training after Night Outs during Mushtaq Ali Trophy, says player is 'His own Enemy'

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has firmly dismissed Prithvi Shaw's emotional reaction to his exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, accusing the temperamental batter of repeatedly violating disciplinary norms.

Prithvi was left out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad and the player recently vented his frustration on social media after being overlooked for the 16-member squad, despite being part of Mumbai's victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign.

A senior MCA official, speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, stated that Shaw's lack of fitness, discipline, and attitude have made him "his own enemy," leading to his omission despite his undeniable talent.

"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. No one is Shaw's enemy. He is his own enemy," the official revealed.

The official went on to highlight Shaw's deteriorating fitness and poor attitude, which allegedly disrupted the team dynamic.

"Even while batting, we could see he was troubled reaching the ball. His fitness, discipline, and attitude are poor, and it is pretty simple, there cannot be different rules for different players," he added.

Prithvi Shaw used to have Night Outs during SMAT

Shaw's off-field behaviour has also raised concerns. The MCA official claimed that during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the batter repeatedly missed training sessions after returning to the team hotel at six in the morning following his night outs.

"Even the seniors in the team have started complaining about his attitude now," the official added.

While Shaw has defended himself in light of these accusations, the MCA has dismissed the idea that his social media posts will influence selection decisions. The incident has once again put the spotlight on Shaw's struggles to fulfill his immense potential, with critics urging the talented youngster to focus on his fitness and professionalism to regain his place in the squad.

Recently, his coach Santosh Pingulkar spoke to MyKhel and spoke about his bohemian lifestyle and friends which derailed the player's career. Former India coach Greg Chappell also wrote Prithvi a letter to improve himself and focus on cricket.

The India batter amassed 197 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 156 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. But it looks like his outing in the limited overs format is done for the season following Vijay Hazare snub.