He made his Test debut when he was 18 and was hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar; 9 years later, Prithvi Shaw is still fighting for a comeback in the midst of an engagement breakup

Prithvi Shaw once looked destined to become one of the next great batting stars of Indian cricket. A teenage prodigy who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title and scored a hundred on his Test debut, Shaw has been compared to Sachin Tendulkar and tipped for a long international career. But a few years later, Mumbai finds himself out of India’s plans and his career is at a turning point.Shaw’s journey brought early success, flashes of brilliance, injuries and erratic comebacks. 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 the Mumbai cricket system to the glory of the U19 World Cup

Born on November 9, 1999, Shaw came through the Mumbai cricket system and quickly became known for his attacking batting. His performances at junior level propelled 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 led India to the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. His performances with the bat and leadership of the side have strengthened his reputation as a player to watch.Later that year, Shaw made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rajkot and made an immediate impact. He scored a century in his first Test, introducing himself to the international scene and fueling 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 has 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 appeared for the national team since then.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. He made 189 runs in six ODIs with a best of 49.

Domestic cricket: The journey back to the national setting

With international selection no longer within reach, domestic cricket has become central to Shaw’s comeback hopes. Shaw, a long-serving Mumbai player, has moved to Maharashtra for the 2025-26 domestic season. His first-class record has demonstrated his scoring ability, but reviving his international prospects requires sustained performances rather than isolated big innings.

IPL journey: Glimpses of promise but no lasting breakthrough

Shaw’s attacking style has made him a prominent name in the Indian Premier League. He spent several seasons with the Delhi Capitals, where his aggressive approach at the top of the order gave the franchise fast starts.However, his IPL career has not consistently produced the consistent performances needed to get him back into the Indian fold. His stint with Delhi ended after the 2024 season and he returned to the franchise in 2026. The IPL remains the main platform for Shaw, but converting his talent into consistent returns will be key if he hopes to revive his international career.The biggest obstacle to Prithvi Shaw’s bid to return to the Indian team has been a combination of inconsistent performances, fitness concerns and disciplinary issues, not a single setback. His troubles became particularly visible during the 2024 domestic season when he was reportedly dropped from the Ranji Trophy squad in Mumbai due to concerns over his fitness and training attendance. Shaw later admitted that he had reduced his training hours and lost concentration, while his omission from the Mumbai team and subsequent move to Maharashtra marked a new phase in his career. The switch offered him an opportunity to rebuild, but a comeback still hinges on sustained performance and consistency across domestic cricket and the IPL.

Engagement with Akriti Agarwal has been called off

Apart 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 going forward. She called the decision mutual and asked for privacy, asking people not to speculate about her personal life.The breakup is a development in Shaw’s personal life; it has no connection with his cricket career or selection prospects.