Prithvi Shaw has cut down on public appearances and stepped away from social media to eliminate outside distractions. The 26-year-old batter said his life now revolves around three priorities: self-improvement, his family and cricket.
Shaw made his international debut in 2018 and scored a century in his first Test against the West Indies. He has represented India in five Tests, six ODIs and one T20I, with his last international appearance coming against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Shaw is currently playing for Maharashtra in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy.
Prithvi Shaw Opens Up About Avoiding Public Attention
In a conversation with India Today, Prithvi Shaw said he has stepped away from social media to focus on his game and protect his personal space.
“I am working harder than ever before. Obviously, I am not quite on social media right now. I am just working on myself. Just me, my cricket and my family. Those are the only three things I am focusing on right now. Anything else, I am just trying to ignore or keep aside,” Shaw said.
He also explained that he no longer enjoys going out because of the attention he receives from paparazzi.
“No, no, it is not about that. It is about a lot of these papparazzi people and all. And I just do not like going out anymore,” he said.
“I have my personal space, and obviously, you guys know how I am and what I like personally. It is good for other people; someone likes it, someone does not. I do not like cameras around me when I am living my personal life somewhere.”
I Play GTA, and Then I Play FIFA - Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw said he prefers spending his free time in his hotel room, watching Netflix or playing games on his PlayStation. He also uses cricket video games to lift his spirits after a low score in a real match.
“I play GTA, and then I play FIFA, of course. I am very good at FIFA," he said. Shaw added: "I play online sometimes. Then I play Tekken. What else do I play? I play cricket as well. I have got my own career mode. I play as myself. If I get out for zero or something low, I go there and score 400 or 500. That is the kind of motivation I get from it. It is fun,” he said.
Shaw recently captained Maharashtra in their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opener against Services at Palam. He scored 70 in the first innings and helped guide the team through the match. Maharashtra had to defend a target of 248 in the fourth innings.
Shaw backed his spinners instead of bringing back the in-form pacer Mukesh Choudhary, and the decision paid off as Services were bowled out for 120. Maharashtra secured a convincing win despite losing more than a session to rain during the match.
Also read: Kevin Pietersen vs England 2.0! Betting deal raises concerns over ECB mentorship role
