Prithvi Shaw, currently under fire, is in desperate need of guidance following his shocking omission from the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 25-year-old went unsold during the two-day event in Jeddah, with all ten franchises ignoring him, even in the accelerated round.
Shaw’s recent struggles, including reports of indiscipline and poor form, have placed him in a precarious position. Dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad last month, Shaw’s disappointing performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—scoring two ducks in five innings—combined with concerns over his fitness, paint a bleak picture for his career. Amid Shaw’s downward spiral, an important lesson on discipline from Sachin Tendulkar might offer the wake-up call he needs. Tendulkar, speaking at the inauguration of a memorial for his former coach Ramakant Achrekar, stressed the importance of respecting cricket kits—a lesson Achrekar instilled in him early on. “Sir taught us to respect our kits. Since retiring, I’ve often spoken to players about this, but I still see players walking back after being dismissed, throwing their bats, or mishandling their gear. Remember, it’s because of this bat that you are sitting in this dressing room today. Never throw it,” Tendulkar urged. Addressing young cricketers, Tendulkar emphasized that frustration from failure should never manifest as disrespect toward their equipment. “There’s a place to keep your kit, and it should always be there. The frustration of your failure… don’t take it out on your kits. This was Achrekar sir’s lesson to us, and it’s our responsibility to pass it on to the next generation,” he added. For Shaw, who once bore the heavy label of being the ‘next Sachin Tendulkar,’ these words could not be more timely. Tendulkar has tried to guide him before, notably reaching out when Shaw was suspended by the BCCI for a doping violation in 2020. However, it seems Tendulkar’s advice hasn’t led to significant change, as Shaw’s challenges with discipline and focus persist four years later. Shaw, who first met Tendulkar as a child, has spoken of being awestruck by the cricket legend. Recalling their initial encounter at Mumbai’s MIG Cricket Club, Shaw remembered his nerves as Tendulkar watched him bat. “When Sachin sir was watching me, my eyes were more on him than the ball. Eventually, I started middling the ball, and everything went well,” Shaw shared. Despite these early moments of inspiration, Shaw has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him. Tendulkar’s latest message, emphasizing discipline and respect for the basics, could be the key to Shaw regaining focus and rebuilding his career. Whether he chooses to embrace this wisdom remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the road ahead requires significant effort and introspection.