Legendary Australian cricketer and former India coach Greg Chappell has written to struggling Indian batter Prithvi Shaw, urging him to move past the recent poor form and rekindle his determination to play for India again as well. Chappell offered Shaw his support and encouraged him to reach out if he needed assistance. Chappell wrote this after Shaw’s exclusion from the Mumbai squad after two rounds of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season.
“The past doesn’t define you, Prithvi. It’s what you do from here that matters. You’re still in your prime, with so many years ahead to make your mark. Take this time to visualise the cricketer and person you want to become. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to improve,” Chappell wrote in a letter, as quoted by the Times of India.
The former India head coach also said that he, like many others, was impressed when Prithvi Shaw came into the scene with his exceptional ability to score big as a teenager. He smashed a debut Test century against the West Indies in 2018 at just 18 years old after his stunning show at the Under-19 level.
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“Remember, setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story. Even legends like Don Bradman faced the disappointment of being dropped and had to fight their way back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them. That shift – from results-focused to process-focused – transformed my approach to both practice and matches. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey of self-reflection. It’s easy to blame circumstances, but ultimately, your response to these challenges will define your path. Elite athletes know that discipline and sacrifice are essential. It’s about honing not just your physical game, but your lifestyle – from diet to fitness – with the understanding that the pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret,” he added.
However, Prithvi Shaw played a key role for Mumbai last season, amassing 451 runs across nine innings, with an average of 83.52 and a strike rate of 58.5 as well. He even scored a crucial fifty in the Irani Cup match for Mumbai against the Rest of India.
“Take care of your body, get the right amount of rest, and build the strength and focus you need. The door back to the Indian team is open if you’re willing to walk through it, but it requires a commitment to growth and change. Know that I – and many others – believe in you and are here to support your journey back to the top. If there’s ever a way I can help or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You have everything within you to reach your full potential. Wishing you all the best on this journey. Regards, Greg,” he concluded.
