Prithvi Shaw dropped from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad: a result of fitness and discipline issues

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has dropped Prithvi Shaw from the Ranji Trophy Squad. Even if the team hasn't given any particular reason behind this step, it is highly speculated that it is his fitness and indiscipline that have led to his exclusion.

Shaw hasn't reacted officially, but his four-letter Instagram story has indicated his dissatisfaction regarding his exculsion. 

Fitness and Indiscipline: The Major Reasons Behind Shaw’s Ouster

Prithvi Shaw not only lacked fitness, he was irregular at practice sessions too. This has raised concerns amongst the Mumbai selectors and team management.

If seen on the other side, veteran players like Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer were very regular with the practice sessions.

Selectors, including the captain, Ajinkya Rahane, have expressed dissatisfaction with Shaw's indifference towards discipline. His irregularity in training and being overweight have been a matter of concern, leading the MCA to take action.

Shaw has been asked to follow a two-week fitness program.

A History of Controversies

Shaw contradicts the idea of "sports build character." His off-field stories have been way too controversial for a player to maintain a good image.

In 2020, he faced an eight-month suspension for a doping violation after ingesting a prohibited substance through cough syrup. 

Not only that, in February 2023, while coming back from an outing with his friends, he engaged himself in an ugly public brawl. After being chased for selfies at a restaurant, the altercation resulted in his car being smashed.

Ricky Ponting's Criticism of Shaw’s Attitude

The former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was eventually Shaw's coach in the Delhi Capitals' camp, pointed out his flaws in batting stance while doing an on-air commentary.

"If he does have a chink in his armour it's the ball which does come back into him...

"Quite often leaves a big gap between bat and pad and that's where the Aussies will target." @RickyPonting at his peerless best for the Prithvi Shaw wicket #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4nh67zBcpU

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 17, 2020

Not only that, Ponting has been vocal about his indiscipline. During the 2021 IPL season, Ponting revealed that, when Ponting asked Shaw to have a close practice with him, the later turned him down. 

Not only that, the Delhi Capitals are not likely to retain him for the 2025 session of the Indian Premier League.

Is This the End for Shaw?

Shaw’s recent exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji squad is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to sustain a cricketing career. With his off-field issues and fitness problems continuing to overshadow his on-field capabilities, Shaw’s future in Indian cricket looks uncertain.

If Shaw fails to address these concerns, his career may be at risk, despite his once-promising start as India’s next big talent.