Ranji Trophy: Prithvi Shaw dropped from Mumbai squad amid controversies

Prithvi Shaw, once considered one of India's brightest cricketing talents, has been dropped from the Mumbai side for Round 3 of the Ranji Trophy. Shaw, who had a successful season last year, winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup, has been "rested" by the Mumbai team, reportedly due to disciplinary reasons. The batter reacted by posting on Instagram that he was taking a break, leaving fans and critics questioning the state of his career.

This latest development comes after Shaw's recent poor performances in the Ranji Trophy and a string of off-field controversies that have affected his career progression.

Struggles with form and disciplinary issues

Prithvi Shaw has played just two matches in the current Ranji season, scoring a meager 7 and 12 against Baroda and 1 and 39* against Maharashtra. Despite his poor form, media reports indicate that Shaw was irregular in attending Mumbai's practice sessions, raising concerns about his discipline and commitment to improving his game. Mumbai's decision to drop him from the squad has been viewed as a disciplinary move, although officially he has been "rested."

Shaw’s response, a brief statement on social media about taking a break, has left his fans speculating about what lies ahead for the young cricketer.

Off-field controversies overshadowing talent

Prithvi Shaw's career has been marred by multiple off-field controversies. One of the most publicized incidents occurred in February 2023 when Shaw was involved in an altercation with fans over a selfie. The situation escalated into a scuffle, and the fan's friends attacked Shaw's friend's car. This incident led to police charges against eight individuals and highlighted Shaw’s struggles with managing fame and public interactions.

Another significant setback was Shaw’s eight-month doping ban in 2019. After testing positive for a banned substance during the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw claimed the substance was consumed unknowingly through a cough syrup. Despite the explanation, the doping ban severely damaged his reputation and forced him out of competitive cricket for months.

Shaw’s fitness has also been called into question, particularly when he failed the Yo-Yo fitness test ahead of the 2022 IPL, further tarnishing his image. Adding to his list of troubles, he was caught breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules in May 2021, which again invited public criticism.

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Despite his undeniable talent, Prithvi Shaw’s off-field controversies and inconsistent performances have overshadowed his cricketing achievements. His promising Test debut century against West Indies in 2018 now seems a distant memory, with his career appearing to stagnate. While his Instagram post suggests he is taking a break, the future remains uncertain for the young opener, whose personal issues continue to hinder his progress.

Shaw's fans hope that he can regain his form, refocus on his career, and put the controversies behind him. Only time will tell if Shaw can overcome these challenges and fulfill his potential as one of India’s cricketing stars.