Prithvi Shaw, the talented cricketer earmarked for greatness from a young age, has faced ups and downs in his career. Despite early success, including leading India to the Under-19 World Cup victory and a Test century on his debut, he has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the national team.
In a candid interview with Cricbuzz, Shaw discusses his disappointment at being dropped from the Indian team and the challenges of dealing with outside criticism and speculation.
He emphasizes the need to stay focused on his game and not be affected by external opinions. Shaw has also become more cautious about his social life, preferring solitude to avoid potential harassment and negative social media comments.
When I was dropped [from the Indian team], I didn’t get to know the reason. Someone was saying it could be fitness. But of course I came here [to Bengaluru] and cleared all the tests at the NCA, again scored runs and again came back to the T20 team. But again didn’t get a chance in the West Indies. I’m disappointed but you just have to move forward. I can’t do anything, I can’t fight with anyone. As a person, I just like to be in my own zone. People say a lot of things about me. But those who know me, know how I am. I don’t have friends, I don’t like to make friends. This is what’s happening with this generation. You can’t share your thoughts with anyone else. If you ask me personally, it’s very scary. Darr lagta hai aajkal to share my thoughts. Agle din social media mein aa jaata hai (I’m scared to share my thoughts. Somehow all of it comes up on social media). I’ve very less friends, only a couple of friends, and even with them I don’t share everything, only a few things. – Prithvi Shaw
As he gears up for a stint with Northamptonshire in the County Championship, Shaw remains determined to make a strong comeback and prove his critics wrong, demonstrating the resilience required to succeed in the competitive world of cricket.
I do think about a few things. But I don’t take too much pressure back to my room. If I’ve gotten out early, it’s not like I can go and bat again. So the focus is on my next inning. I just go back to my room and relax, take a shower and play PlayStation – FIFA, Call of Duty or Uncharted. If I go out, people will harass. They will put up something on social media, so I prefer not to step out these days. What do I do going out? Jaha bhi jaau, kuch na kuch hota hai (laughs). Jaana hi band kar diya hoon (Wherever I go, trouble follows. I’ve stopped stepping out altogether). These days, I’ve been going alone even for lunches and dinners. I’ve started enjoying being alone now. A few days ago, I went alone to watch a movie – Insidious. Baap re baap, khatarnaak movie tha bahut (It was too scary). Glad it wasn’t in 3D. I was alone, couldn’t even ask someone to come and sit next to me (laughs).
