Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as the future of Indian cricket, finds himself at a crossroads. After being dropped from his Ranji Trophy team and going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the talented batsman faces the toughest phase of his career. Simon Doull, a respected cricket commentator, boldly predicted in 2018 that Shubman Gill would outshine Prithvi Shaw. At the time, Shaw was the bigger name, but Doull’s analysis proved prescient.
From Promising Start to a Tough Reality
Shaw burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent, leading India to victory in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. His aggressive batting style and leadership drew comparisons with legends like Sachin Tendulkar. It seemed like the cricketing world was his oyster. However, as Shaw transitioned to senior cricket, technical flaws in his batting began to surface. His inconsistency and inability to adapt to varied conditions raised questions about his long-term potential.
Simon Doull’s Prediction: A Turning Point
Simon Doull, a respected cricket commentator, boldly predicted in 2018 that Shubman Gill would outshine Prithvi Shaw. At the time, Shaw was the bigger name, but Doull’s analysis proved prescient. Doull pointed out Shaw’s technical shortcomings, contrasting them with Gill’s solid foundation and hunger for improvement. This insight has been validated over the years.
“When you think about a young man with the ability to change things in the middle of a series, that’s what’s quite impressive. And I first saw Shubman in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand and and there was so much chat around Prithvi Shaw at that stage. I made quite a bold statement that Shubman Gill’s career would way, way surpass what Prithvi Shaw does because there was some technical flaws in Prithvi Shaw and and Shubman just didn’t look like he had technical flaws at that stage,” said Doull.
Harsha Bhogle recounted Doull’s prediction during a recent commentary stint. Bhogle noted how Doull’s observation was ahead of its time and reflected on Shaw’s lost potential. “I remember sending a text to Doull asking about Gill and Shaw and he said Gill,” added Harsha Bhogle.
"Harsha Bhogle in Com Box on Shubman Gill:
'During the U-19 WC, all the talk in India was about Prithvi Shaw. Out of the blue, I got a text from Simon Doull saying, *"Mate, I’ve seen the real deal—it’s Shubman Gill."'
What a prophecy that turned out to be! 🌟 #ShubmanGill" pic.twitter.com/cACNZHqtEF
— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86) December 7, 2024
Harsha Bhogle recalled, “During the U-19 WC, all the talk in India was about Prithvi Shaw. Out of the blue, I got a text from Simon Doull saying, Mate, I’ve seen the real deal—it’s Shubman Gill.’”
Shubman Gill: The Rise of a Modern Star
Gill’s career is defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence. His focus on scoring big hundreds, particularly in Tests, has set him apart from his peers. Gill, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, is poised to lead India’s batting lineup into a new era. His adaptability and determination make him a cornerstone of the team.
Statistical Comparison: Gill vs. Shaw
In their initial five Tests, Shaw scored one century and two fifties, while Gill managed three fifties. Shaw’s technical flaws and inconsistency, however, overshadowed his early promise.
Career Trajectories
Gill’s consistent improvement contrasts sharply with Shaw’s struggles, illustrating the divergent paths they have taken. Shaw must develop the resilience and hunger that define Gill’s approach. Success at the highest level requires unwavering focus and determination.
Shaw needs to work on his batting technique to handle diverse conditions, a skill that has become indispensable in modern cricket. Domestic cricket remains a platform for Shaw to rebuild his career. A strong showing could reignite interest from IPL teams and selectors.
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