Prithvi Shaw becoming the next Vinod Kambli? From doping ban due to a cough medicine to alleged attitude issues, here's all you need to know

Bhubaneswar: Once hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw's meteoric rise in Indian cricket was matched only by his equally swift fall from grace. The Mumbai-born batsman, who captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2018 and scored a century on his Test debut the same year, now finds himself on the periphery of Indian cricket. What happened to the young prodigy who was destined for greatness?

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A Dream Start

Shaw's journey is the stuff of cricket folklore. His father, Pankaj Shaw, relocated from Bihar to Mumbai, making enormous sacrifices to nurture his son's talent. Living in the cricket-centric suburb of Santa Cruz, young Prithvi rose through Mumbai's competitive cricket ranks with remarkable ease.

Under Rahul Dravid's mentorship, Shaw led India to an Under-19 World Cup victory in 2018, displaying not just batting prowess but leadership qualities beyond his years. Later that year, at just 18, he scored a dazzling 134 against the West Indies on his Test debut, becoming the youngest Indian to score a century in his first Test.

"His technique, timing, and temperament were exceptional for someone so young," recalls former India selector Devang Gandhi. "The comparisons with Tendulkar seemed justified."

The Beginning of Troubles

The downward spiral began during India's 2018-19 tour of Australia. Shaw suffered an ankle injury during a practice match, ruling him out of the entire series. This marked the beginning of a pattern of injuries and off-field issues that would plague his promising career.

Sources close to the Indian team management, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed growing concerns about Shaw's approach to professional cricket. "There were whispers about his lack of discipline, excessive social media engagement, and diminishing focus on fitness and technique," says cricket analyst Aakash Chopra.

The Doping Ban: A Career Setback

In July 2019 came the biggest blow. Shaw was handed an eight-month suspension for a doping violation after testing positive for Terbutaline, a prohibited substance found in over-the-counter cough syrups.

While the BCCI accepted that Shaw had inadvertently ingested the substance through a cough medicine prescribed by a doctor unaffiliated with cricket, the damage was done. For contracted players who receive extensive education about prohibited substances, this mistake raised questions about Shaw's attention to professional protocols.

"The BCCI has a comprehensive system in place to educate players about what they can and cannot consume," explains sports medicine specialist Dr. Anant Joshi. "Players receive detailed lists of prohibited substances and are advised to consult team doctors before taking any medication."

The ban devastated not just Shaw but his father as well. Reports suggested that Pankaj Shaw, who had dedicated his life to his son's success, was heartbroken and blamed himself for not guiding his son better.

Attitude Issues and Fitness Concerns

Shaw's return to cricket post-ban was marked by inconsistency. Though he briefly fought his way back into the Indian team, whispers about attitude issues grew louder. Team management reportedly expressed concerns about his fitness standards, work ethic, and perceived arrogance.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar notes, "Talent alone isn't enough at the international level. Discipline, fitness, and the right attitude are equally important. Shaw's technique, particularly against the moving ball, showed vulnerabilities that required dedicated work to overcome."

Shaw's struggles mirror a concerning pattern among some of his Under-19 teammates. Fast bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi have battled persistent injuries, while Manjot Kalra, who scored a match-winning century in the U-19 World Cup final, has faded from prominence.

The Dravid Factor

Rahul Dravid, who nurtured many of these young talents as the U-19 coach, has spoken about the challenges of transition. "The jump from age-group cricket to senior level is significant. Technical deficiencies get exposed, and mental strength is tested. Not everyone makes this transition successfully," Dravid had noted in a previous interview.

Critics draw parallels between Shaw and Vinod Kambli, another Mumbai prodigy whose brilliant start (back-to-back double centuries) didn't translate into a long international career due to off-field issues.

Signs of Revival?

Despite these setbacks, Shaw remains just 25 years old with time to resurrect his career. Recent performances in domestic cricket show glimpses of his undeniable talent. In the 2023 Ranji Trophy, he scored a triple century for Mumbai, reminding selectors of his match-winning abilities.

"Writing off Shaw would be premature," says former India coach Ravi Shastri. "He has the talent to make a comeback, but he needs to work on his discipline, fitness, and technique. The mental aspect is crucial too."

The Mumbai Cricket Association has reportedly assigned mentors to work with Shaw, focusing on both technical and mental aspects of his game.