Aussie great & ex-India coach pens letter to faltering batting talent, says Mumbai axing could become turning point of his career
MUMBAI: Troubled batting talent Prithvi Shaw, once touted as the next big thing but now down and out in his career and dropped even from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad, has found support from an unlikely corner – Greg Chappell, former India coach and ex-Australia captain.
Disturbed by the downswing in Prithvi’s fortunes, Chappell has written a heartfelt letter to the 24-year-old cricketer (TOI has a copy) reminding him how career lows can turn into turning points.
“Hi Prithvi, I understand you’re facing a challenging time right now, being out of the Mumbai team. It’s natural to feel frustrated and perhaps a bit uncertain, but I want you to know that these moments are often the turning points for athletes, helping to shape both their careers and their character.
“I remember watching you play for India’s under-19 team, where you showcased an extraordinary talent and a spark that made it clear you were among the most exciting young cricketers of your time. Those of us who recognize your potential are still keenly watching your journey, knowing that the best is yet to come,” Chappell wrote in the letter.
Shaw, who has played five Tests, scored a hundred on debut against West Indies back in Nov 2018 in Rajkot but thereafter fell by the wayside because of alleged disciplinary issues. This season, he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team on grounds of “poor fitness”. He has been given a fitness programme to follow by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in order to shed excess weight.
In the letter, Chappell, who scored 7110 runs in 87 Tests with 24 hundreds, cited examples of Don Bradman and even himself as cricketers who were dropped but then fought their way back.
“Remember, setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story. Even legends like Don Bradman experienced being dropped and having to fight their way back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them. In my own career, being dropped was one of the most humbling yet valuable experiences.
“It forced me to review every aspect of my game and, more importantly, my approach.
“I learned that my attitude, resilience, and willingness to improve mattered more than raw talent alone. I realized that I often got myself out by letting distractions or self-doubt interfere, and that wasn’t going to change unless I took full responsibility,” Chappell wrote in his letter.
The cricketing great recalled that he realized after being dropped that he needed to “focus on one ball at a time, stay in the present, focus on process rather than results,” and asked Shaw to take a similar journey of “self-reflection”.
“So I made a commitment to myself: I’d focus on one ball at a time, really seeing each delivery, and responding in the moment. I trained not just for skill, but to strengthen my mindset, learning to judge my practice sessions by how well I stayed present and focused on each ball.
“That shift – from results-focused to process-focused – transformed my approach to both practice and games. I encourage you to take 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,” Chappell wrote.
Chappell advised Shaw that he could still make a comeback into the Indian team, but for that, he must show a “commitment to growth and change”.
“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 visualize the cricketer and person you want to become. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to improve.
“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 takes a commitment to growth and change,” the 76-year-old wrote.
Chappell rounded off his letter to Shaw by stressing that he and “many others still believe in you” and offered to help him in case the Mumbaikar wanted to reach out to him.
“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,” Chappell said.