Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw has been dropped from the Mumbai squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match due to fitness issues. Reports suggest that Shaw, once regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, has been asked to shed some kilos and undergo a rigorous fitness regimen before being considered for selection again. The 24-year-old has represented Mumbai in their first two matches of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season but has failed to make a significant impact with the bat.
Prithvi Shaw’s Recent Performances
Prithvi Shaw’s recent performances for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy have been underwhelming. In the team’s opening game against Baroda, he managed scores of 7 and 12 as Mumbai succumbed to a surprising loss. In the second match, against Maharashtra, Shaw’s form did not improve much, as he was dismissed for 1 in the first innings but managed to remain unbeaten with a score of 39* in the second innings, helping Mumbai to a comfortable win.
Before the start of the Ranji Trophy, Prithvi Shaw participated in the prestigious Irani Cup, where he registered scores of 4 and 76, showing some signs of his potential but falling short of consistency. However, his lack of form in the Ranji matches, coupled with fitness concerns, has led to his exclusion from Mumbai’s squad for their next match against Tripura, which will be played in Agartala from Oct 26 to Oct 29.
Fitness Concerns and Team Management’s Decision
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that Shaw’s fitness is a major concern. Reports suggest that the team management has informed the MCA that Shaw’s body fat percentage has reached 35%, which is far above the acceptable limit for an elite cricketer. The management has recommended that Shaw undergo rigorous training and weight loss programs to improve his fitness and earn his place back in the team.
Discipline Issues Resurface
In addition to the fitness concerns, reports suggest that discipline issues have once again cropped up around Shaw. The selectors and team management felt that dropping Shaw was the right move not only due to his fitness problems but also because of some behavioral issues. The report claims that Shaw has been irregular at practice sessions and has not been taking his training seriously, leading to concerns about his commitment to the game.
Shaw’s Rise and Challenges
Prithvi Shaw burst onto the cricketing scene as a teenage sensation, leading India to victory in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018. His exceptional talent and aggressive batting style drew comparisons to legends like Virender Sehwag. Shaw made his Test debut for India in 2018 against the West Indies and scored a century in his very first match, becoming the youngest Indian to do so on debut. His future seemed bright, and he was hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket.
However, since then, Prithvi Shaw’s journey has been anything but smooth. Inconsistency in performance, frequent injuries, and off-field issues have hampered his progress. He was dropped from India’s Test squad after a series of poor performances, most notably during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21, where he struggled against the fast bowlers. His exclusion from the national team has seen him return to domestic cricket, but the problems have persisted.
A Crucial Phase for Prithvi Shaw’s Career
The latest development in Shaw’s career marks a critical phase for the young cricketer. His fitness and discipline issues could significantly impact his chances of making a comeback to both the Mumbai team and potentially the Indian national team. Given his immense talent, Shaw still has the potential to turn things around, but it will require a renewed focus on his fitness, discipline, and performance.
With Mumbai playing their next Ranji Trophy match against Tripura in Agartala, Shaw’s absence will be felt, but the team management has clearly signaled that fitness and discipline are non-negotiable for players representing the team. Shaw, now 24, is at a crucial juncture in his career, and how he responds to this setback will likely shape his future in Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji squad for the upcoming match due to fitness concerns is a reminder of the high standards expected from professional cricketers. With reports also suggesting that discipline issues have resurfaced, Shaw finds himself in a challenging situation. While his talent is undeniable, Prithvi Shaw will need to work hard on his fitness and commitment to regain the trust of the selectors and team management. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see how Shaw responds to this wake-up call and whether he can make a successful comeback.
