Prithvi Shaw's exceptional talent became evident when he scored a remarkable century on his Test debut just before his 19th birthday in late 2018. However, his cricketing journey has been somewhat erratic since then, with only 11 international appearances over six years. As he aims to reclaim his top form, Shaw faces crucial challenges, particularly around his work ethics. Shreyas Iyer, Shaw's captain at Mumbai, has emphasized this need for improvement, implying that dedication in practice is essential for his resurgence in professional cricket.
In recent developments, Shaw encountered difficulties that led to his exclusion from the Mumbai team during the initial phase of the Ranji Trophy due to fitness concerns. Following this setback, he rejoined the Mumbai T20 squad for the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where the team triumphed against Madhya Pradesh in the final held in Bengaluru. Throughout this tournament, Shaw participated in all nine matches and accumulated a total of 197 runs at a strike rate of 156.34. Although he produced five noteworthy performances, these were punctuated by four low scores, indicating a degree of inconsistency that needs addressing.
Iyer has pointed out that Shaw must focus on achieving a disciplined approach and proper training habits. According to Iyer, the potential for growth is substantial if Shaw commits to refining his work ethic. This assertion highlights the importance of self-discipline and consistent effort in elevating one's game to elite levels.
The year has been challenging for Shaw as he was also released from the Delhi Capitals, his Indian Premier League team, after being dropped prior to the season. The recent IPL 2025 auction saw him go unsold, further complicating his professional landscape. Iyer firmly stated that players of Shaw's caliber need to take initiative and responsibility for their choices, reinforcing the notion that every professional should inherently understand expectations at this level. Feedback and guidance from teammates and coaches can only be effective if the player is committed to self-improvement.
In addition, former Australian captain Greg Chappell reached out to Shaw, urging him to engage in a "journey of self-reflection." However, Iyer acknowledged that ultimately, the onus rests on Shaw, as he is already well-versed in cricket and has received ample advice from various sources throughout his career.
In the context of Mumbai cricket, Iyer expressed satisfaction with his team's collective performance during their successful campaign at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He praised his teammates for stepping up at critical moments, asserting that this success marks their second title of the season, following their earlier victory in the Ranji Trophy. The emergence of younger players showcased their immense potential and brought a refreshing dynamic to the squad.
Iyer highlighted the fearless approach exhibited by the youth within the team. They have demonstrated another level of talent and character both in matches and within the dressing room environment. This sentiment reflects the importance of nurturing young players, as their boldness and confidence can be instrumental in driving team success.
While Mumbai's batting lineup included several experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane, Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Iyer himself—each having represented India—the bowling unit comprised less experienced talent. Many bowlers were making their T20 debuts or lacked extensive exposure in the format. For instance, Suryansh Shedge made his T20 debut during the competition, while Royston Dias had only participated in nine matches over his career.
Among the bowling roster, Shardul Thakur stood out as the most seasoned bowler, having participated in 25 T20 matches for India, while the other bowlers had limited exposure. Iyer described the challenges the team faced in the early matches, including a game against Goa where they conceded a staggering 224 runs. However, he commended the bowlers for demonstrating significant improvement when it mattered most.
The final against Madhya Pradesh illustrated their development, as the bowlers successfully restricted the opposition to around 170 runs, even though it was a conducive batting surface in the latter parts of the match. The performance showcased the bowlers’ growth and ability to adapt under pressure—a crucial skill in T20 cricket.
In conclusion, Iyer expressed his considerable optimism about Mumbai's current squad, noting the excitement of working with such promising young talent. He conveyed that winning remains the ultimate objective, stating that a winning mindset is essential for individual and collective satisfaction in cricket. This focus on victory, combined with the emergence of new talent, bodes well for the future of Mumbai cricket as they continue to build on their successes in domestic competitions.