At 18, he hit a century on Test debut and was hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar; 9 years later, Prithvi Shaw is still fighting for a comeback amid an engagement split
toi
newspoint|19-09-2026
Prithvi Shaw once looked destined to become one of Indian cricket ’s next big batting stars. A teenage prodigy who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title and scored a century on his Test debut , Shaw was compared with Sachin Tendulkar and tipped for a long international career . But years later, the Mumbai batter finds himself outside India’s plans, with his career at a crucial juncture.
Shaw’s journey has featured early success, flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent returns. While he continues to pursue opportunities in domestic cricket and the IPL, his recent personal-life headlines, including the end of his engagement to Akriti Agarwal, have added another chapter to a career that has taken an unexpected turn.
From Mumbai’s cricketing system to Under-19 World Cup glory
Born on November 9, 1999, Shaw emerged through Mumbai’s cricketing system and quickly became known for his attacking batting. His performances at junior level brought him into the national spotlight, and he was soon regarded as one of India’s most exciting young prospects.
The breakthrough came in 2018, when Shaw captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in New Zealand. His performances with the bat and leadership of the side strengthened his reputation as a player to watch.
Later that year, Shaw made his Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot, and made an immediate impact. He scored a century in his first Test, announcing himself on the international stage and fuelling comparisons with Tendulkar.
A dream start to international cricket
Shaw’s Test debut was followed by a promising start to his international career, but he struggled to secure a regular place across formats. He made his ODI debut against New Zealand in February 2020 and played his first T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2021. His last appearance for India came in 2021, and he has not featured in the national team since.
In five Tests, Shaw scored 339 runs at an average of 42.37, including one century and two half-centuries. His highest score was 134. In six ODIs, he made 189 runs, with a best of 49.
Domestic cricket: A route back to the national setup
With international selection no longer within immediate reach, domestic cricket has become central to Shaw’s hopes of a comeback. A long-time Mumbai player, Shaw moved to Maharashtra for the 2025-26 domestic season. His first-class record has demonstrated his ability to score heavily, but rebuilding his international prospects requires sustained performances rather than isolated big innings.
IPL journey: Flashes of promise, but no sustained breakthrough
Shaw’s attacking style also made him a prominent name in the Indian Premier League. He spent several seasons with Delhi Capitals, where his aggressive approach at the top of the order offered the franchise quick starts.
However, his IPL career has not consistently produced the sustained performances needed to push him back into India’s plans. His time with Delhi ended after the 2024 season, and he returned to the franchise setup in 2026. The IPL remains a major platform for Shaw, but turning his talent into consistent returns will be key if he hopes to revive his international career.
The biggest hurdle in Prithvi Shaw’s bid to return to India’s team has been a combination of inconsistent performances, fitness concerns and disciplinary issues not one isolated setback. His difficulties became particularly visible during the 2024 domestic season, when he was reportedly dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy side over concerns about his fitness and attendance at practice sessions. Shaw later acknowledged that he had reduced his practice hours and lost focus, while his omission from Mumbai’s squad and subsequent move to Maharashtra marked a fresh phase in his career. The switch offered him an opportunity to rebuild, but a comeback still depends on sustained performances and consistency across domestic cricket and the IPL.
Engagement with Akriti Agarwal called off
Away from cricket, Shaw’s relationship with Akriti Agarwal also attracted attention after the couple announced their engagement in March 2026. Agarwal later confirmed that they had decided to separate, citing different goals and circumstances for the future. She described the decision as mutual and requested privacy, asking people not to speculate about their personal lives.
The separation is a development in Shaw’s personal life; there is no linking it to his cricketing career or selection prospects.
Shaw’s journey has featured early success, flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent returns. While he continues to pursue opportunities in domestic cricket and the IPL, his recent personal-life headlines, including the end of his engagement to Akriti Agarwal, have added another chapter to a career that has taken an unexpected turn.
From Mumbai’s cricketing system to Under-19 World Cup glory
Born on November 9, 1999, Shaw emerged through Mumbai’s cricketing system and quickly became known for his attacking batting. His performances at junior level brought him into the national spotlight, and he was soon regarded as one of India’s most exciting young prospects.
The breakthrough came in 2018, when Shaw captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in New Zealand. His performances with the bat and leadership of the side strengthened his reputation as a player to watch.
Later that year, Shaw made his Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot, and made an immediate impact. He scored a century in his first Test, announcing himself on the international stage and fuelling comparisons with Tendulkar.
A dream start to international cricket
Shaw’s Test debut was followed by a promising start to his international career, but he struggled to secure a regular place across formats. He made his ODI debut against New Zealand in February 2020 and played his first T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2021. His last appearance for India came in 2021, and he has not featured in the national team since.
In five Tests, Shaw scored 339 runs at an average of 42.37, including one century and two half-centuries. His highest score was 134. In six ODIs, he made 189 runs, with a best of 49.
Domestic cricket: A route back to the national setup
With international selection no longer within immediate reach, domestic cricket has become central to Shaw’s hopes of a comeback. A long-time Mumbai player, Shaw moved to Maharashtra for the 2025-26 domestic season. His first-class record has demonstrated his ability to score heavily, but rebuilding his international prospects requires sustained performances rather than isolated big innings.
IPL journey: Flashes of promise, but no sustained breakthrough
Shaw’s attacking style also made him a prominent name in the Indian Premier League. He spent several seasons with Delhi Capitals, where his aggressive approach at the top of the order offered the franchise quick starts.
However, his IPL career has not consistently produced the sustained performances needed to push him back into India’s plans. His time with Delhi ended after the 2024 season, and he returned to the franchise setup in 2026. The IPL remains a major platform for Shaw, but turning his talent into consistent returns will be key if he hopes to revive his international career.
The biggest hurdle in Prithvi Shaw’s bid to return to India’s team has been a combination of inconsistent performances, fitness concerns and disciplinary issues not one isolated setback. His difficulties became particularly visible during the 2024 domestic season, when he was reportedly dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy side over concerns about his fitness and attendance at practice sessions. Shaw later acknowledged that he had reduced his practice hours and lost focus, while his omission from Mumbai’s squad and subsequent move to Maharashtra marked a fresh phase in his career. The switch offered him an opportunity to rebuild, but a comeback still depends on sustained performances and consistency across domestic cricket and the IPL.
Engagement with Akriti Agarwal called off
Away from cricket, Shaw’s relationship with Akriti Agarwal also attracted attention after the couple announced their engagement in March 2026. Agarwal later confirmed that they had decided to separate, citing different goals and circumstances for the future. She described the decision as mutual and requested privacy, asking people not to speculate about their personal lives.
The separation is a development in Shaw’s personal life; there is no linking it to his cricketing career or selection prospects.
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