Prithvi Shaw Reacts to Being Dropped from Mumbai Ranji Team Due to Fitness and Disciplinary Issues

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Mumbai cricketer Prithvi Shaw has been dropped from the team's Ranji Trophy squad for their third-round match against Tripura, reportedly due to fitness and disciplinary issues. Shaw, who had been a key part of Mumbai's success last season, has struggled both on and off the field this year.

This has raised concerns among the team's management and selectors. According to media reports, the 24-year-old opener was excluded from the squad after failing to maintain adequate fitness levels and showing poor discipline in training sessions.

Shaw, who has managed just 59 runs in two matches this season, posted a cryptic message on Instagram, saying, "Need a break thx," shortly before the news of his exclusion broke. While no official reason was given by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for Shaw's omission.

However, reports claim that he was asked to undergo a two-week fitness program after the team's trainers found his body fat percentage to be 35%. Shaw has also reportedly skipped several net sessions and shown a lack of commitment when he did attend.

This prompted frustration from the team management which includes captain Ajinkya Rahane and coach Omkar Salvi. "You have to look at his fitness and his running when he is on the field. The MCA has a rich history and there cannot be exceptions for a certain player," an MCA official told PTI.

The selectors, unimpressed with Shaw's overall conduct, have replaced him with left-handed batter Akhil Herwadkar, who averages 36.51 in first-class cricket. Shaw's off-field controversies have long overshadowed his on-field achievements. In 2023, he was involved in a scuffle after refusing multiple selfie requests from fans.

In 2019, he served an eight-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance. Despite his undeniable talent, Shaw's inconsistent performances and recurring discipline issues have raised doubts about his future. He remains a key figure in Delhi Capitals' IPL squad, though his role in the 2025 season is now uncertain.

Mumbai squad:

Ajinkya Rahane (Cap), Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Akhil Herwadkar, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk), Shams Mulani, Karsh Kothari, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Juned Khan, Royston Dias