Greg Chappell writes inspiring letter to Prithvi Shaw: 'Setbacks are a part of every great athlete's story'

Australian cricket legend and former India coach Greg Chappell has reached out to Prithvi Shaw, 24, encouraging him to move forward from his recent setbacks and focus on reigniting his drive to play for the country. In a letter following Shaw’s exclusion from the Mumbai squad after two rounds of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, Chappell expressed his willingness to assist Shaw and urged the 24-year-old to reach out if he needed guidance.

Chappell, referring to both Don Bradman and his own experiences, highlighted how the pain of being dropped could serve as a motivation to rebuild one’s career, provided the player commits to the necessary hard work.

The Mumbai team’s decision to drop Shaw came after inconsistent performances in the opening rounds of India’s prestigious domestic red-ball tournament. Fitness and disciplinary concerns were cited by Mumbai cricket officials as reasons for omitting the player, who was once seen as an exceptional talent.

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‘The past doesn’t define you, Prithvi’

In his letter, Chappell offered Shaw some inspirational words, as quoted by the Times of India: “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.”

Shaw made a dream debut for India in 2018 with a century against the West Indies at just 18, after winning the Under-19 World Cup as captain.

Yet, Shaw’s career trajectory has faced challenges. Inconsistent form, fitness issues, and disciplinary setbacks have hindered his progress. His last Test appearance was in 2020, and his last limited-overs game for India came in July 2021.

Chappell underscored the importance of resilience and perseverance in elite sports, reminding Shaw that great athletes are defined by their ability to overcome challenges. “Remember, setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story. Even legends like Don Bradman faced the disappointment of being dropped and had to fight their way back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them.”

He advised Shaw to shift his mindset from focusing on results to concentrating on the process, something that had transformed Chappell’s own approach. “That shift – from results-focused to process-focused – transformed my approach to both practice and matches. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey of self-reflection. It’s easy to blame circumstances, but ultimately, your response to these challenges will define your path,” he noted.

‘The door back to the Indian team is open’

The former coach further emphasized the importance of discipline, sacrifice, and a holistic approach to fitness and lifestyle, suggesting that Shaw prioritize his physical and mental well-being. “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 added.

Chappell closed his message with a supportive note, reminding Shaw that there are many who believe in his talent and want to see him succeed. “The door back to the Indian team is open if you’re willing to walk through it, but it requires a commitment to growth and change. 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,” he concluded.