‘There’s No Talent Close To Prithvi Shaw…’ Shashank Singh Backs Shaw’s Comeback

Prithvi Shaw’s form and fitness have been a big concerning factor, as the once-hailed ‘generational talent’ has lost all credibility. Shaw was not only dropped from Mumbai’s setup but also went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, signalling an abrupt end to his cricketing days. 

However, Punjab Kings’ batter Shashank Singh feels otherwise, stating that if Shaw returns back to his basics, there’s no one in world cricket who even comes close to him. 

“Yashasvi (Jaiswal) for sure ek bada naam hai (is a big name). Shubman (Gill) is a very talented player. There’s Prithvi Shaw. Agar vo back to basics aa jaye toh I think koi bhi near nahi hai uske [If he comes back to basics, there's no one close to him],” Shashank told Shubhankar Mishra. 

But like everyone else, the PBKS batter, too, pointed out Shaw’s issues with attitude and work ethics. It is something that has haunted the talented batter for quite some time now, given his worries with fitness as well. 

“I have known him for 13 years. We have played club cricket together in Mumbai. He has a different point of view of things; he knows what is right and what is wrong, but as of now, if he changes his point of view, then I think usse bada koi cheej he nahi hai [There's nothing like it],” he added.

“Attitude, work ethics, fitness, discipline – he must be doing it. I am 100% sure that he is so professional; he has played Test cricket. He must be doing it, but maybe if he modifies those things, then it will be better for him.”

However, Shashank didn’t agree with the public perception surrounding his fitness, stating that Shaw plays all of Ranji Trophy, SMAT, VHT and IPL, and one can’t do all of that without having fitness. 

“If someone tells me that he doesn’t do fitness, then I won’t believe it. He plays Ranji Trophy, T20, one day, IPL, and it’s not that he played to play; he has performed and helped his team win matches. So he must be doing it, but maybe if he modifies those things, then it will be better for him. Work ethics – if he is sleeping at 11, then he should sleep at 10; if he can do something better with food, then he should do it,” he added. 

“Whatever he is planning, it is not necessary that you and I will give him knowledge because he has 10 better people who are giving him knowledge, but obviously if he accepts those things and changes them, toh mere khayal se usse badi cheej Indian cricket mein koi nahi hogi [There isn’t a bigger talent than him in Indian cricket].”