When Prithvi Shaw scored a century on Test debut in October 2018, fans and experts were convinced — India had found its next superstar.
He was just 18, playing with the ease and confidence of a seasoned pro. Some even said, “This boy is the next Sachin.”
But things didn’t go as planned. Less than a year later, Shaw’s name was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Injuries, controversy, and a doping ban – it all came crashing down too soon.
In November 2018, Shaw was selected for India’s tour of Australia. Expectations were high. But during a warm-up match, he injured his ankle while fielding near the boundary.
He was ruled out of the entire series and sent home. While the injury was real, some reports at the time said Shaw was “losing focus.”
It hinted at off-field distractions. Shaw strongly denied it, calling the claims unfair.
The dream tour turned into a nightmare, and questions about his attitude started to rise.
Just a few months later, in July 2019, things took a more serious turn. Shaw failed a doping test during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The banned substance found in his system was terbutaline – often found in common cough syrups.
Shaw said he had a cold and took an over-the-counter syrup based on the pharmacist’s advice.
He didn’t know it contained a banned substance. The BCCI accepted this but still gave him an eight-month ban, backdated to soften the blow.
Even though it wasn’t intentional, it became a major dent in his career. Fans were disappointed.
Critics said he should have been more careful. He was out of action at a time when Indian cricket was moving fast.
Shaw’s early career wasn’t just about one or two incidents. It became a series of missed chances.
A promising Test debut was followed by injury. An opportunity to shine in Australia was lost. The doping ban made things worse.
There were also whispers about his fitness and discipline. Coaches reportedly weren’t happy with his training habits. He kept showing talent but couldn’t convert it into consistency.
Prithvi Shaw is still young. And talent like his doesn’t just vanish. But Indian cricket is always moving. New faces arrive, and competition is tough.
Shaw now finds himself far from the spotlight he once owned.His story so far is a mix of brilliance and frustration. A reminder that raw talent isn’t enough. Focus, maturity, and discipline matter just as much.
Shaw’s fall wasn’t because he lacked skill — it happened because he couldn’t manage the other parts of being a professional athlete.
He still has time to turn things around. But the window is shrinking. What was once a fairytale rise is now a test of character.
