The Challenges and Potential of Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw's natural talent was undeniable when he scored a century on his Test debut just before his 19th birthday in 2018. However, six years later, he has only featured in 11 international matches. Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer noted that for Shaw to regain his form and reach his full potential, he must prioritise improving his work ethic.

Shaw faced a setback earlier this season when fitness concerns led to his exclusion from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad. However, he returned to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), contributing to Mumbai's title win with 197 runs at a strike rate of 156.34. Despite flashes of brilliance, his performances were inconsistent, with five notable knocks overshadowed by four low scores.

Iyer expressed optimism for Shaw but stressed the importance of self-discipline, remarking: "He needs to get his work ethics right, and if he does that, the sky is the limit for him." 

He also highlighted that Shaw, who was released by Delhi Capitals and went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, must independently reflect on his game. 

“We can’t babysit anyone, right?” Iyer added, stating that Shaw needs to assess his path forward and discover his own answers.

Greg Chappell, the former Australian captain, echoed similar sentiments in a letter to Shaw, urging him to engage in self-reflection. However, Iyer pointed out that Shaw has already received ample advice and must now take ownership of his growth.

Turning to Mumbai's SMAT victory, Iyer praised the collective efforts of his team. He particularly applauded the younger players for their fearless performances, noting their impressive character both on and off the field. 

"They're fearless in their approach, and this is the kind of players we need to back going up. And for me, personally, whenever I go out there, I want to win each and every game. It doesn't matter who we play; winning is something that makes me feel happy, and it is everything for me," Iyer said.

Mumbai’s experienced top order, featuring Ajinkya Rahane, Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Iyer, played a vital role in their success. However, their relatively inexperienced bowling lineup was equally crucial. Players like Suryansh Shedge, Atharva Ankolekar, Mohit Avasthi, and Tanush Kotian stepped up at key moments, compensating for their limited exposure in the T20 format. Shardul Thakur was the only seasoned bowler in the squad, having represented India in 25 T20s.

Reflecting on their journey, Iyer acknowledged the initial struggles of the bowling unit but commended their remarkable improvement. He highlighted their performance in the final against Madhya Pradesh, where they restricted the opposition to 170 runs on a batting-friendly pitch under lights.

"I think it was a commendable performance from them. All in all, I would say it's fun to be having such a great squad," Iyer concluded. 

Mumbai’s triumph, built on a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent, underlines their dominance in domestic cricket and offers hope for a bright future.