'Wherever I Go Trouble Follows...I Don't Have Friends': Prithvi Shaw Opens Up On His Mental Health Struggles

Prithvi Shaw talked about the mental challenges he has been facing in his cricketing journey and the lack of a support network.

Prithvi Shaw is not in the immediate scheme of things of the Indian team management in any of the three formats.

Source : Getty Images

Prithvi Shaw is regarded as one of the most talented batters of his generation. However, his performances haven't helped him be a regular member of the Indian team as yet. Shaw, who was once regarded as the future star of Indian cricket, is not in the immediate scheme of things for the management and with him not being part of the West Indies tour and even not being considered for a place in the second-string men’s squad announced for Asian Games, the cricketer opened up on his mental health struggles.

Lack of Opportunity 

Shaw has joined Northamptonshire in the County Championship in an effort to revive his career. He acknowledges feeling hesitant to speak his mind when it comes to his international career though.

The Delhi Capitals' batter spoke openly about his exclusion from the Indian team in an interview with Cricbuzz. In order to demonstrate his preparation for a comeback, Shaw disclosed that he had passed all the necessary fitness tests and had done well in domestic cricket. Despite these successes, he expressed disappointment at not being given the chance to demonstrate his abilities and help the national squad.

"When I was dropped, I didn't get to know the reason. Someone was saying it could be fitness. But of course, I came here (in Bengaluru) and cleared all the tests at the NCA, again scored runs, and again came back to the T20 team. But again didn't get a chance in the West Indies. I'm disappointed but you just have to move forward. I can't do anything, I can't fight with anyone," the 23-year-old said.

Mental Health Challenges

In addition, Shaw also talked about the mental challenges he has been facing in his cricketing journey, particularly highlighting the lack of a support network. He revealed that he doesn't have many friends with whom he can openly share his thoughts and concerns. He also went on discussing how everything makes its way on social media.  

"As a person, I just like to be in my own zone. People say a lot of things about me. But those who know me, know how I am. I don't have friends, I don't like to make friends. This is what's happening with this generation. You can't share your thoughts with anyone else," he said.

"If you ask me personally, it's very scary. Darr lagta hai aajkal to share my thoughts. Agle din social media mein aa jaata hai(I'm scared to share my thoughts. Somehow all of it comes up on social media). I've got very less friends, only a couple of friends, and even with them I don't share everything, only a few things," he added.

"If I go out, people will harass. They will put up something on social media, so I prefer not to step out these days. Wherever I go, trouble follows. I've stopped stepping out altogether. These days, I've been going alone even for lunches and dinners. I've started enjoying being alone now," he said.

The Mumbai batter would be looking to make the most of his opportunities in County Cricket as well as in the domestic cricket circuit and wait for his chance in the national team.