‘Wasn’t able to convert his…’- Prithvi Shaw’s childhood coach Santosh Pingulkar express concerns over his bad run of form

India’s young batting sensation Prithvi Shaw has become the topic of debate in the cricketing circles. The 25-year-old has seen his cricketing journey flounder in the last few years. Mumbai had also dropped him from the team but gave him a second chance to prove his worth during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. 

Childhood coach Santosh Pingulkar, during his chat with My Khel, said, “Shaw wasn't able to convert his love for the game into his efforts. That's why he is witnessing such a lean phase. He is just 25 years old and has age in his hand. He can bounce back with hard work." 

Pingulkar went on to say how distractions played a part in the downward spiral. “Fame played a big role behind his decline. His friend’s circle changed. He moved away from the cricketing world and got involved in the filmy world. His friends weren’t from cricketing background and couldn’t guide back to focus on cricket,” he said.

“He didn’t lose love for the game, but his time and attention got diverted. Injuries and a ban further distanced him from cricket. I wasn’t surprised when he wasn’t picked for IPL this year. He even reduced his base price to INR 75 Lakhs this year, but it was unfortunate he wasn’t selected,” further said Santosh Pingulkar. 

Harbhajan Singh urges Shaw to use Virat Kohli as inspiration

Former Indian star Harbhajan Singh was speaking to News 18 when he was asked about Prithvi Shaw. The 44-year-old asked the young batter to use former India skipper Virat Kohli as inspiration and make his comeback to the national side. “I don't know what happened, but whatever did, I feel this is something Prithvi Shaw will need to take stock of and decide how to approach his career going forward,” said Harbhajan Singh. 

India’s cricket stalwart went on to add, “Such things either make or break a career, and it's up to Shaw to decide which road he wants to take. It's very tough for any player to digest that he's gone unsold at the auction. And this a player who people said is as talented as Tendulkar. Our problem is that they started comparing him so early with a player as big as Sachin. You put pressure on the player. But with Prithvi Shaw, there are many more factors than just cricket."

“I wish him well. I hope he emerges out of this setback stronger. Work hard on his fitness; he's a very young guy. Must be around 24-25. He can go a long way if he focusses on his fitness. Because the Prithvi Shaw that we saw and the version of him we are seeing now – even size-wise – he clearly has ignored his fitness. Whereas, look at the fitness of Team India players, and it reflects on the ground. If he needs to look up to someone, make sure it's Virat Kohli. I wish Shaw all the best so that the next generation can also learn from him," Harbhajan Singh ended by saying.