What Happened to Prithvi Shaw The Next Sachin Tendulkar..

New Delhi : Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar, has become a classic case of unfulfilled potential. At just 18, Shaw made a sensational Test debut for India in 2018, scoring a century and becoming the youngest Indian to do so. At the time, he was far ahead of contemporaries like Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag in terms of recognition, technique, and performance.

Shaw captained the India U-19 team to victory in the 2018 World Cup and was seen as the future face of Indian cricket. He had it all — class, confidence, and an eye for big runs. But fast-forward to 2025, and his name rarely finds mention in the national squad, while his peers have surged ahead.

So, what went wrong?

Several factors contributed to Shaw’s decline. Fitness issues, disciplinary concerns, and inconsistent performances plagued his career. He was suspended for a doping violation in 2019, which severely impacted his image. Injuries also kept him off the field, preventing a consistent run at the top.

In contrast, players like Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag focused on improving their game, stayed fit, and made the most of opportunities. Gill has already cemented his place in the Indian team across formats, while Parag has shown remarkable growth in the IPL, especially in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Shaw’s performance in domestic cricket and IPL also didn’t reflect the same spark as before. While he still possesses tremendous talent, his inability to adapt, maintain form, and handle pressure has kept him out of contention.

With the spotlight once again on Indian cricket’s young guns, fans and experts are asking: Is it too late for Prithvi Shaw? Can he make a strong comeback, or is his story another case of what could have been?

Only time will tell. But for now, Shaw remains a cautionary tale in the high-pressure world of Indian cricket — a prodigy who once looked destined for greatness, now fighting to stay relevant.