Is Prithvi Shaw's Exclusion From Mumbai's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Squad Justified?

Jatin

Prithvi Shaw was left out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad [Source: @academy_dinda/x.com]Prithvi Shaw was left out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad [Source: @academy_dinda/x.com]

The talented Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion from the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Tripura marks a crucial moment in the young cricketer's career. The decision, made by Mumbai's senior men’s selection panel, was influenced by fitness concerns and disciplinary issues, which showed a significant shift in how talent alone no longer cuts the mustard in professional cricket.

So, is Prithvi Shaw's exclusion justified? Let's analyse

Shaw’s History of Disciplinary Lapses

Despite his unquestionable skill, Prithvi Shaw's journey has been a bumpy ride filled with off-field controversies and fitness challenges. Known for his explosive batting and record-setting debuts in domestic and international cricket, Shaw's career trajectory has been anything but smooth.

His recent pattern of behaviour, including skipping training sessions and appearing overweight, suggests a casual approach to the extreme discipline professional cricket demands.

His current body fat percentage, reported at 35%, is a clear indicator that his physical condition is not up to the mark, leading to a mandatory two-week fitness program laid out by the Mumbai Cricket Association.


Inconsistency in the Nets

The discipline in professional sports often extends beyond mere physical fitness; it involves the attitude and dedication toward training and preparation. 

Here, Shaw's approach has been found wanting, especially when compared to teammates like Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur, who are stalwarts in the nets.

While Rahane and others sweat it out, Shaw's lax attitude in training sessions and his approach to net practice have raised eyebrows within the team management.

Weighing Talent Against Discipline

Shaw's talent has never been in question. His records speak for themselves: scoring centuries on his Ranji, Duleep, and Test debuts, a feat paralleled only by legends like Sachin Tendulkar.

However, talent is but a part of the equation, with discipline and consistency being equally crucial. The decision to drop Shaw can be seen as a clear message from the Mumbai team management that potential cannot be a scapegoat for lack of discipline.

Replacing Shaw with Akhil Herwadkar

With Shaw sidelined, Akhil Herwadkar has been tapped to fill the void. A seasoned player with a solid track record in first-class cricket, Herwadkar's inclusion might not just be about filling a batting slot but also about bringing a more disciplined approach to the team.

His experience and consistent performance in domestic cricket offer Mumbai a more reliable, if less explosive, option at the top of the order.

A Wake-Up Call for Shaw

Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion serves as a wake-up call not just for him but for all young talents in the sport. It highlights the indispensable value of discipline and fitness in cricket, aspects just as critical as talent itself.

In conclusion, the exclusion of Prithvi Shaw from the Mumbai squad is a justified and necessary measure to maintain the stringent standards of discipline and fitness expected in professional cricket.

For Shaw, this could be a crucial turning point. How he responds to this challenge might well define his future trajectory in cricket. Will he learn from his mistakes and make a roaring comeback, or will this be a slide into obscurity? Only time will tell, but the ball is certainly in his court to prove his mettle and dedication to the game.