Prithvi Shaw Faces Growing Pressure as Shubman Gill's Career Flourishes

In a comparison that has gained traction in recent discussions, Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill, who were once captain and vice-captain of India's U19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, are now on diverging paths in their cricket careers. Former New Zealand cricketer and broadcaster Simon Doull had predicted back in 2018 that Gill would have a longer and more successful international career than Shaw, a statement that seems increasingly accurate as Gill continues to thrive while Shaw struggles.

During the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Gill displayed his remarkable form by scoring a composed 90 runs in India's first innings of 263, helping the team establish a 28-run lead. This performance is part of a broader trend, as Gill has surpassed the 800-run mark in Tests for 2024, solidifying his position as a vital player for India across formats.

Conversely, Shaw has faced significant challenges lately. After an impressive start to his career, including a hundred on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018, Shaw's trajectory has been hampered by consistent issues related to form and fitness. He was notably left out of Mumbai's squad for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, a clear indication of his current struggles in the domestic circuit.

Doull reflected on the contrasting careers of the two players, acknowledging that while there was much anticipation surrounding Shaw during their U19 days, it became evident that Gill possessed the technical skills and adaptability necessary for sustained success at the international level. Doull stated, "There was some technical flaws in Prithvi Shaw, and Shubman just didn’t look like he had technical flaws at that stage."

Gill's impressive ability to absorb information and make adjustments has been a hallmark of his rise. He has expressed a strong desire to score significant runs, highlighting his ambition for "big hundreds" in Test cricket. Doull emphasized that Gill's determination and hunger for runs bode well for his future, especially as he joins other young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who represent the future of India's batting lineup.

As the cricketing community watches closely, the narrative surrounding Shaw and Gill serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of resilience and continual improvement. With Shaw's recent exclusion from the Ranji Trophy and Gill's remarkable form, it is clear that the gap between the two former U19 stars continues to widen