Prithvi Shaw has been excluded from the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion and controversy.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has cited several critical factors behind this decision, primarily focusing on Shaw’s fitness levels, discipline, and overall attitude towards the game.
1. Fitness Concerns
A senior MCA official revealed that Shaw’s fitness had become a significant liability for the team. During the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, it was reported that the team often had to “hide” Shaw on the field due to his limited mobility.
The official stated, “In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, we were playing with 10 fielders as we were forced to hide Prithvi Shaw. The ball would pass near him, and he would barely make an effort to get to it”.
This lack of physical fitness not only affected his fielding but also his batting performance, as he struggled to connect with deliveries effectively.
2. Discipline and Attitude Issues
Shaw’s attitude and discipline have also come under scrutiny. Reports indicate that senior players within the team expressed dissatisfaction regarding his approach to training and matches.
The MCA emphasized that there cannot be different rules for different players, highlighting that Shaw’s alleged indiscipline was not being tolerated.
An MCA source remarked, “Even the seniors in the team have started complaining about his attitude now”.
This sentiment was echoed by another official who stated, “He is his own enemy,” suggesting that Shaw’s struggles are largely self-inflicted due to his failure to adhere to team standards.
3. Recent Performance
Despite being part of Mumbai’s victorious campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw’s individual performance was underwhelming.
In nine innings, he failed to score more than 200 runs, averaging below 25, which raised further concerns about his readiness for more competitive formats like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His inability to perform consistently against quality bowling has led selectors to question his place in the squad.
Shaw’s Reaction
Following his exclusion, Shaw took to social media to express his disappointment and frustration over not being selected. He highlighted his impressive List A statistics but also acknowledged the challenges he is facing.
In a cryptic Instagram post, he wrote about maintaining faith despite setbacks and questioned what more he needed to prove.
However, MCA officials dismissed these emotional appeals, reiterating that performance and discipline are paramount for selection.
