Team India batter Prithvi Shaw, who was touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket, hasn't lived up to the hype just yet. Though just 23 years old, Shaw has become a household name in the cricket fraternity. He has represented India in all three formats of the game but the last couple of years have been excruciating for the stylish right-handed batter who hails from Mumbai. Shaw is currently not in the scheme of things when it comes to selection for the senior men's national team.
In an interview with Cricbuzz and Wisden, the diminutive batter opened up on dealing with the harsh reality of getting snubbed by selectors and how it has impacted his mental health.
"When I was dropped [from the Indian team], I didn't get to know the reason. Someone was saying it could be fitness. But of course I came here [to 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," said Shaw.
In the recent past, Shaw has made more headlines for his off-field controversies rather than his on-field performances with the bat. The Mumbaikar is currently battling a tough phase in his career where no matter what does, he can't seem to buy a run or forge a series of consistent performances.
Shaw opened up about how social media has portrayed him as the 'bad guy', which has ultimately influenced his decision to stay by himself and not confide in anyone, not even his friends.
"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. I'm scared to share my thoughts. Somehow all of it comes up on social media. I've very less friends, only a couple of friends, and even with them I don't share everything, only a few things," Shaw added.
The out-of-favour India batter stated that he has started to love being alone, mainly because of the harassment he has endured.
"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," said Shaw.
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