IPL 2025 Auction Shock: Prithvi Shaw Goes Unsold, Mohammad Kaif Critiques Performance

In a surprising turn of events at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw found himself without a suitor, drawing sharp criticism from former cricketer Mohammad Kaif. The auction, held on Monday, November 25, saw Shaw, once heralded as the next Virender Sehwag, fail to garner a single bid despite setting a base price of INR 75 lakh.

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Kaif did not hold back, expressing that Shaw should feel embarrassed by the lack of interest from franchises. "It is a wake-up call for him. Not being picked at all is a clear message that he needs to up his game," Kaif remarked.

Kaif, who closely followed Shaw’s journey with the Delhi Capitals, revealed that the franchise had shown considerable faith in Shaw's abilities, hoping for consistent performances. "Delhi Capitals provided him with numerous opportunities to showcase his talent. His potential to hit multiple boundaries in a single over was undeniable. Yet, consistency remained elusive," Kaif elaborated.

Reflecting on internal discussions within the team, Kaif shared insights into how decision-makers grappled with Shaw’s inclusion in the playing XI. "There were moments of doubt, where we considered benching him due to his inconsistent form. However, the expectation that he might deliver a match-winning performance often swayed our decisions," he added.

According to Kaif, Shaw's journey forward lies in revisiting domestic cricket to hone his skills and improve his fitness. He cited Sarfaraz Khan's path to the Indian team as an example of how domestic success can pave the way for international opportunities. "It’s a time for introspection for Prithvi. He needs to score runs on the domestic circuit to regain confidence and attention," Kaif advised.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Shaw's absence from any franchise’s roster marks a significant moment in his career, signaling the need for a strategic comeback. With franchises continually seeking reliable performers, Shaw’s path to redemption is clear: consistent domestic performances and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

The auction outcome serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the IPL and the high expectations placed on players to deliver consistently. For Shaw, this moment of professional challenge could be the catalyst needed to reignite his once-promising career.