New Delhi: Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has written a letter to Prithvi Shaw. Chappell offered Shaw his help and encouraged him to move past from recent setbacks. The letter from Australian legend came after Shaw was dropped from the Mumbai squad after the two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.
Shaw made a sensational entry into Test cricket with a century in his debut match against West Indies in 2018. He performed brilliantly in domestic cricket with many former cricketers predicting a bright future for him in the Indian team.
However, after the early success in his career, the Mumbai cricketer struggled to maintain his consistency in international cricket and fell off the radar due to fitness and disciplinary challenges. He played his last Test match for India in 2020 and his last limited-over match for the country was in July 2021.
‘Setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story’: Greg Chappell
In his letter to Shaw, Chappell asked him to focus on the positives of getting dropped from the team. He said that even legends like Don Bradman experienced being dropped but fought their way back. Chappell further said that he watched Shaw play for India’s U19 team where he showcased extraordinary talent.
“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,” Chappell wrote in his letter to Shaw.
“I remember watching you play for India’s U19 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. 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”.
Chappell is considered one of the best cricketers in Australian cricket. He scored almost 10,000 runs in Test and ODI cricket. In the letter to Shaw, Chappell said that he was also dropped from the team many times and it forced him to review every aspect of the game. Chappell further added he made a commitment to himself that he will focus on one ball at a time and also trained not just for the skill but to strengthen the mindset.
“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. 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” wrote Chappell.
He said that the past doesn’t define you but what you do from here matters. He reminded Prithvi that he’s still in his prime and has many years ahead to make a mark. He further added that surround yourself with people who inspire you to improve and focus on building the strength in your body. He also offered him help and said that if you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
“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,” he said.
“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” Chappell wrote.
Legendary Australian cricketer Greg Chappell wrote to Prithvi Shaw and urged him to find the courage to bounce back from the setbacks. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
