Shaw had consumed a cough syrup that included drugs from the prohibited list.
Once considered as the ‘next Sachin Tendulkar’, Prithvi Shaw has suffered a few blows early in his career. He could not play in Australia due to an ankle injury and then was banned from playing any cricket next time round because of a doping ban which was a result of what he claims was ‘a mistake’ from his side.
Since his return, he is hungrier for runs and was in the groove as soon as he returned to domestic cricket. He has shared what he went through during his tenure as a banned cricketer and what he does during the lockdown period on an Instagram LIVE session with his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals.
"I try to play like Sachin sir, the God of cricket," says Prithvi Shaw
He said, “It was a mistake. And the period away from cricket was torture. Doubts and questions arise, but I kept the faith and belief. I spent some time in London where I was working on my fitness, as I wasn't allowed to bat anywhere. When the ban got over, and I returned to domestic cricket, I was hungrier than before.”
“I picked up my bat and realized I hadn't lost my touch at all. If anything, that time off made me a more determined person,” he added.
He came out as a better person from the ‘cough syrup’ incident and has once again been forced to not play cricket because of the Coronavirus. However, he is on track to maintain his fitness levels while at home and is also spending his time cooking and playing PUBG.
Shaw said, “I've been working out a bit indoors and shadow practicing to maintain my fitness levels. I've also been helping my father in the kitchen. I can cook eggs quite well, and I'm trying to learn a few new things. I've been playing some PUBG too.”
He also spoke about the importance of mental health and the fact that people should work on their patience levels while being quarantined at home.
“A lot of us don't have the patience for things in life, so now is a great time to work on it. Everyone should find something to do that they like, and work towards perfecting that. That process in itself will help one grow calmer and become more patient," the 20-year-old said.