Prithvi Shaw, the once-prodigious Indian cricketer, has found himself at a career crossroads, prompting introspection and a renewed commitment to the sport. After facing a series of setbacks, including disciplinary issues, fitness concerns, and a drop in form, the 25-year-old has responded to perceived lack of support from the cricketing fraternity with a stoic resolve.

Shaw's career trajectory, which began with a century on his Test debut in 2018, has been turbulent. He was dropped from his home state team, Mumbai, and went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Furthermore, he failed to secure a spot in the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, signifying a significant fall from grace.

In response to these challenges, Shaw has made a fresh start by moving to Maharashtra ahead of the new domestic season. He marked this transition with a century against Chhattisgarh in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, demonstrating his determination to regain lost ground. This century, scored off 122 balls and including 14 fours and a six, was particularly significant as it came on a challenging pitch where his teammates struggled.

When asked if any past or present players had reached out to him during his tough times, Shaw responded with a blunt "no". He followed this by stating, "I mean, it's fine. I mean, I don't want anyone's sympathy". Shaw emphasized that he is comfortable relying on the support of his family and close friends, who have been with him through thick and thin. He added that he has been in a zone where he is doing everything alone, which he believes has been beneficial for him.

Shaw has openly acknowledged his past mistakes, attributing his setbacks to not dedicating enough time to cricket and falling in with the wrong crowd. He admitted that he used to practice for hours on end but gradually reduced his time on the field, allowing distractions to creep in. Shaw stated that he takes responsibility for his actions and does not blame anyone else for his downfall.

To address these issues, Shaw has been working diligently on his fitness with a personal trainer and following a diet plan designed by a dietician. He has also made a conscious decision to limit his engagement on social media platforms, recognizing that they have been a source of distraction in the past. Shaw is now focused on getting back to the basics that initially propelled him to success, including practicing more, hitting the gym, and running.

Looking ahead, Shaw is determined to stay grounded and focus on the present. He acknowledged that trying to think too far into the future has been detrimental to him in the past. Shaw conveyed confidence in himself and his work ethic, expressing hope that the current season will be successful for both him and his team. He reiterated that he doesn't mind starting from scratch, as he has experienced numerous ups and downs throughout his career and believes that anything is possible.