From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, Prithvi Shaw has endured a whirlwind of emotions in his cricketing career. Once touted as the next big thing to emerge from Mumbai’s maidans, Shaw, now 26, seemed set to fulfil his vast promise when he led India to under-19 World Cup glory in 2018 and scored a century on Test debut in the same year. But as his form waned and fitness troubles surfaced, the perception of Shaw succumbing to the pitfalls of early fame became hard to ignore.

He hit rock-bottom in the 2024-25 season when he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team on fitness and disciplinary grounds. Not long after, he found no takers in the IPL auction after seven seasons with Delhi Capitals. Shaw’s desire for a reset saw him move to Maharashtra for the 2025-26 domestic season, and he had a promising start before runs tapered off.

Despite all that has unfolded, Shaw has a fresh shot at redemption as part of DC’s roster in IPL-19. The stylish batter was acquired by the franchise at his base price of ₹75 lakh in the mini-auction in December.

“Humans make mistakes. I have also made mistakes. That’s history. I like to be in the present. That’s what I have learned,” Shaw told the media on Wednesday.

“If I don’t think of a comeback [for India], it will be wrong. Because I am playing for that. And for that, I am working hard.”

According to Shaw, the enforced break from last year’s IPL helped enhance his mental toughness. “I went to a couple of destinations to refresh my mind a little, and then I came back. I practised, worked hard, whether it was training or batting. Whatever I used to do, I started doing three times as much. I can’t say I took a step back. It was just a needed break, so that I can strengthen myself mentally,” he reflected.