Prithvi Shaw once heralded as a future star of Indian cricket, faced a significant setback during the IPL 2025 auction, where he went unsold despite being available at a base price of INR 75 lakh.
This article delves into the top three reasons that contributed to his unsold status, reflecting on his career trajectory and the current state of his game.
ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Strongest XI For IPL 2025
3. Inconsistent Performance
Inconsistent Form Over Recent Seasons
Prithvi Shaw‘s performance in recent IPL seasons has been far from stellar. Over his IPL career, he has played 79 matches and scored 1,892 runs at an average of 23.95 with a strike rate of 147.47. His statistics from the last few seasons highlight a troubling trend:
Year | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
2024 | 8 | 198 | 24.75 | 163.64 | 66 |
2023 | 8 | 106 | 13.25 | 124.71 | 54 |
2022 | 10 | 283 | 28.30 | 152.97 | 61 |
His declining form culminated in him being dropped from the Delhi Capitals’ playing XI during the previous season due to poor performances when the team needed him most. This inconsistency raised concerns among franchises about his ability to contribute effectively in high-pressure situations.
2. Fitness and Disciplinary Issues
Struggles with Fitness and Commitment
Shaw’s fitness has been a recurring issue throughout his career, often leading to missed opportunities and poor performances. Reports indicate that he faced disciplinary concerns, including missed training sessions, contributing to his exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji team.
His former coach, Jwala Singh, emphasized that maintaining fitness and discipline is crucial for a player’s success in professional sports. The lack of commitment to these aspects has severely impacted Shaw’s prospects in the IPL.
1. High Expectations and Pressure
Burden of Expectations
From a young age, Shaw was compared to cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, which set extraordinarily high expectations for him. While such comparisons can be motivating, they can also create immense pressure that may hinder performance.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal remarked that Shaw’s early success and continuous comparisons might have made him complacent, ultimately resulting in his current predicament. Shaw’s need for a “jolt” or wake-up call has never been more apparent as he navigates this challenging phase in his career.
ALSO READ: Delhi Capitals’ Strongest XI For IPL 2025