“Cricket Is My Passion”: Prithvi Shaw Opens Up on Mental Reset and IPL 2025 Expectations
NEW DELHI — After navigating a turbulent phase marked by fluctuating form and time away from the pitch, Prithvi Shaw is back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) ecosystem with a renewed mental approach. The 25-year-old batter has prioritized clarity over external noise, focusing on the present as he prepares for the upcoming season with the Delhi Capitals.
Key Highlights from Shaw’s Return
- Mental Reset: Took an extended break away from cricket to reconnect with family and rebuild mental resilience.
- Training Regimen: Tripled his practice workload with an emphasis on high-quality repetitions rather than basic volume.
- IPL 2025 Status: Currently participating in Delhi Capitals’ intra-squad matches ahead of their April 1 opener against the Lucknow Super Giants.
- Domestic Form: Maintained a 160.00 strike rate in recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy outings.
Overcoming Setbacks and Auction Disappointment
Shaw’s professional journey over the last two years has been challenging. After joining the Delhi Capitals in 2018 and accumulating 79 appearances for the franchise, his run production dropped. He failed to surpass 200 runs in both the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons. This decline in form, coupled with fitness and discipline issues that led to his temporary removal from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad, culminated in him going unsold during the initial IPL 2025 mega auction.
Despite these setbacks, Shaw remains grounded about his career trajectory. “In the last couple of years, the IPL didn’t go very well for me,” Shaw told reporters at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. “Not really bad, not really good. But obviously, people do expect a lot, especially when it comes to an opening batter.”
He views his time away from the game as a necessary period for personal growth. “When I didn’t play the IPL, I enjoyed my life a lot. I went to a couple of places to refresh my mind, and then I came back. The same routine—I practiced, worked hard… whatever I used to do, I started doing it three times. It was a needed break so I could strengthen myself mentally.”
Addressing the Critics and Moving Forward
Labeled a prodigy early in his career, Shaw has consistently faced intense public scrutiny. According to BCCI records, he has represented India in five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I. Acknowledging that he has made mistakes, Shaw emphasized his desire to move past historical missteps.
“I am a human being. I will make mistakes,” Shaw stated. “Whenever there were good things in social media or papers, or bad things, I was very young. I stopped seeing those things. Humans make mistakes. It’s okay. Move ahead. That’s history. I feel this is the time where I am very happy mentally. I love coming to the ground. This is my passion, and no one can take this away from me, no matter how much anyone writes about me.”
Recent Domestic Performance Statistics
Shaw has worked to rebuild his form in recent domestic tournaments, focusing on consistent run-scoring across all formats. His recent statistics demonstrate his ongoing commitment to returning to top-flight cricket.
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class / Ranji Trophy | 7 | 537 | Included a double century |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 6 | 193 | 32.16 Average |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 7 | 183 | 160.00 Strike Rate |
Eyeing an International Comeback
Looking ahead, Shaw maintains his ultimate goal of returning to the Indian national team. He keeps his inner circle tight, relying exclusively on his family and coach Prashant Shetty for guidance and tuning out external noise.
“If I don’t think of a comeback, it will be wrong because I am playing for that. Obviously, who wouldn’t want to play for India?” Shaw noted. However, he has shifted away from setting rigid long-term targets, which he felt added unnecessary pressure. “I used to keep targets, but when you can’t achieve them, you feel more pressure. So, I am a present person. I like to be here right now.”
Under the leadership of captain Axar Patel, the Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on April 1. Shaw is currently expected to compete for an opening slot alongside KL Rahul, marking a critical juncture in his effort to reclaim his position among India’s elite batters. For comprehensive player statistics and match schedules, visit ESPNcricinfo or the International Cricket Council.