Couldn’t handle glamour and money

Despite a promising start, Prithvi Shaw has fallen down the ranks owing to poor performances. His former coaches have compared remarkable downfall to Vinod Kambli’s.

Once touted as the next Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw has found no suitors in the IPL 2025 Auction. Not so long ago, he was IPL’s blue-eyed boy, getting a Rs 7.5 Crore contract from Delhi Capitals. But now, he is almost out of sight. With performances dwindling amid accusations of poor behaviour and discipline, his former coach Pravin Amre who was the assistant coach at the DC claimed that the 25-year-old could not handle the glamour and money at such a young age. Amre went on to compare him to Vinod Kambli who also had a similar downfall.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a talent like Shaw move in the wrong direction,” Pravin Amre told The Times of India in an interview. He believes Shaw’s early exposure to fame and fortune may have diverted his attention from the game.

“Even today, he has the ability to score a 30-ball fifty in the IPL,” Amre said, highlighting Shaw’s raw talent. “But maybe he couldn’t handle the glamour and money. His case should serve as a lesson for Indian cricket: talent alone isn’t enough. Discipline, determination, and dedication are equally important.”

Lessons from Vinod Kambli’s Example

Amre compared Shaw’s struggles to those of Vinod Kambli, another prodigy whose career faltered due to a lack of focus. “Three years ago, I gave Shaw Kambli’s example. Unfortunately, certain lessons are hard to teach this generation,” Amre remarked.

He pointed out the financial windfall Shaw experienced early in his career. “By 23, thanks to being retained by the Delhi Capitals, Shaw must have earned ₹30-40 crore. Even an IIM graduate doesn’t earn that much at such a young age. When you’re this wealthy so early, maintaining focus becomes challenging,” he added.

An Opportunity to Rebuild

Despite the setback of being left out of the IPL auction, Amre believes this rejection could serve as a wake-up call. “I hope he takes this IPL snub positively. He’s only 25 and has age on his side,” Amre said, urging Shaw to see this as an opportunity to regain his form and focus.

Amre’s optimism is shared by others who have worked closely with Shaw. Former assistant coach Mohammad Kaif recently revealed how the Delhi Capitals management stood by Shaw during his ups and downs, offering him unconditional support.

The Road Ahead for Shaw

Prithvi Shaw’s journey serves as a cautionary tale for young cricketers navigating the pressures of fame, money, and performance. While his talent remains undeniable, it is his ability to stay disciplined and motivated that will determine his future.

For Shaw, the IPL Auction snub could be the turning point he needs to reignite his career. With age still on his side, a disciplined and determined comeback could see him reclaim his spot as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents. However, he needs a break from cricket. His poor performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is further erasing his confidence.