The 2019 Doping Ban
In July 2019, the BCCI handed Prithvi Shaw an eight-month, back-dated suspension for a doping violation. The then-teenager tested positive for Terbutaline, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that is commonly found in over-the-counter
cough syrups. Shaw stated he had inadvertently ingested the substance to treat a respiratory infection. The BCCI accepted his explanation that it was not for performance-enhancing purposes but the ban still saw him miss significant game time, including India's home series against South Africa and Bangladesh. Shaw later called the time away from cricket "torture" and said it served as a major lesson.
The Midnight Selfie Scuffle
In February 2023, Shaw was involved in a public brawl with a group of fans, including social media influencer Sapna Gill. The incident reportedly began after Shaw, dining with a friend at a luxury hotel in Mumbai, refused to take more selfies with Gill and her friend. The argument escalated, leading to a chase where Shaw's friend's car was attacked with a baseball bat. Gill was arrested, and both parties filed complaints against each other, with Gill accusing the cricketer of assault. The viral videos and subsequent legal drama created a media storm, casting a shadow over his public image.
Persistent Fitness Woes
A recurring theme in Shaw’s career has been questions over his fitness. In March 2022, it was widely reported that he failed to clear the mandatory yo-yo fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), scoring below the required 16.5 mark. While the result didn't bar him from playing in the IPL, sources suggested his fitness standards were a key reason he was not being considered for the national team. Following the reports, Shaw posted a cryptic message on Instagram, asking people not to judge his situation without knowing the full story. Concerns about his conditioning have been raised by coaches and critics alike over the years.
Disciplinary Issues on Tour
Shaw's immense talent has often been paired with reports of disciplinary concerns. During his maiden tour of Australia in late 2018, an ankle injury forced him to return home. However, reports at the time suggested that his lack of focus and indiscipline were also contributing factors, though Shaw himself dismissed these as rumors. Later, his former IPL coach Ricky Ponting revealed that during a slump in form, Shaw once refused to practice in the nets, an attitude the legendary Australian found hard to understand.
Cryptic Social Media Presence
Shaw's personal life has frequently played out in public, fueled by his own social media activity. His relationship with actress Nidhi Tapadia has been a subject of speculation, with the pair making public appearances together. However, their relationship has also been marked by cryptic posts and reports of breakups. On Valentine's Day in 2023, a post from his account referred to Tapadia as his 'wifey', which he later claimed was the work of someone editing his stories. More recently, reports in July and September 2026 detailed his engagement and subsequent separation from Akriti Agarwal, following a series of posts she made online.
