Prithvi Shaw Controversies: From Doping Violations To Cheating Allegations

Prithvi Shaw Controversies (Source: X)Prithvi Shaw’s journey has become this decade’s ultimate cautionary tale about handling early fame. Hailed as the "next Sachin Tendulkar" after scoring an astonishing 546 in a school match, he captained India to the 2018 U-19 World Cup and hit a Test century on debut at 18.Moreover, it seems that Prithvi Shaw controversies have no limit. Once again, the Mumbai batter has become a major talking point on social media after his fiancée, Akriti Agarwal, made a series of unexpected moves online.A cocktail of off-field controversies, a doping ban, poor fitness, and attitude issues derailed his meteoric rise, leading to the loss of his spot on the national, domestic, and IPL circuits.Thus, below in this article, let’s take a look at the chronological list of his major controversies involving the Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw. Prithvi Shaw's On Field Controversies1) Doping Violation - July 2019Very early in his career, in July 2019, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended Prithvi Shaw for 8 months after he failed a dope test. Shaw tested positive for terbutaline, a prohibited substance found in over-the-counter cough syrups, which he inadvertently consumed to treat a respiratory tract infection.Because Shaw unknowingly ingested the medicine without checking anti-doping compliance, the BCCI accepted that the substance was not used for performance-enhancing purposes. Consequently, they applied a backdated suspension lasting until November 15, 2019, allowing him to return to training in mid-September.2) Ajinkya Rahane called out Shaw's fake injury "bluff" - December 2020During a December 2020 warm-up match in Drummoyne, Sydney, Prithvi Shaw attempted to fake an injury after being hit on the shin pad while fielding at short leg. Acting as stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane saw through the bluff, firmly ordering Shaw not to leave the field and instructing him to get back into position.Former Indian fielding coach R. Sridhar later recounted the incident, revealing that Rahane sternly told Shaw: Also read: KKR Set To Fire Ajinkya Rahane, Captaincy Replacement Identified From Another Team"Don't take one more step. No one will replace you on the field. I know nothing's wrong with you, I saw the ball hit you on your shin pad. Maybe you were waiting for an opportunity to go back inside, but that's not happening. Go back to short leg and get into position." This firm handling ensured discipline and professionalism within the squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.3) Ranji Trophy Altercation - October 2025Prithvi Shaw was involved in a heated on-field altercation with Mumbai players during an October 2025 practice match at the MCA Stadium in Gahunje. Representing Maharashtra, Shaw scored 181 but lost his temper when dismissed by Musheer Khan, who gave him a provocative send-off. Shaw attempted to swing his bat and exchanged words with former teammate Siddhesh Lad before umpires intervened.The incident sparked significant debate, as it occurred just before the start of the Ranji Trophy season, where Shaw had transferred to Maharashtra seeking a fresh start to revive his career.4) Fitness struggles, IPL 2025 Auction Snub Once hailed as a generational talent, Shaw's career took a downward turn due to recurring fitness and lifestyle concerns. Following a dismal IPL 2024 season where he scored just 198 runs in 8 matches, Shaw was released by Delhi Capitals.Entering the mega auction with a base price of ₹75 lakh, the talented opener went unsold, receiving no bids. Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, acknowledged that Shaw is a misunderstood talent but stated the auction snub was a necessary wake-up call for the player to reassess his dedication and get back into shape.List of all Prithvi Shaw Off-field Controversies1) Goa Lockdown Violation May 2021In May 2021, Shaw was stopped by police in Amboli, Maharashtra, while driving to Goa. Authorities intercepted him because he did not possess the mandatory COVID-19 e-pass required to travel outside the state during lockdown. Shaw quickly applied for an e-pass on his phone and was allowed to proceed after securing clearance.2) Selfie Brawl with Sapna Gill - February 2023In February 2023, a dispute over selfies at a Mumbai hotel escalated into a violent brawl involving cricketer Prithvi Shaw and influencer Sapna Gill. After Shaw refused additional photos to dine undisturbed, an evicted group ambushed him outside. They chased Shaw's car for 10 kilometres, smashed his windshield with a baseball bat, and demanded ₹50,000 under threat of a false police complaint.Also read: Prithvi Shaw's Teammate Buys Most Successful FranchiseShaw’s friend filed a police report, leading to Gill’s arrest and the booking of seven others. Gill countered by filing a complaint accusing Shaw of assault and outraging her modesty.Two years later, in December 2025, Shaw submitted a formal affidavit to a Mumbai court dismissing molestation allegations by influencer Sapna Gill as "false, frivolous, and vexatious." He claimed the accusations were a publicity stunt and retaliation for a prior criminal case3) Social Media Posts with Nidhi Tapadia - February 2023An Instagram story for Valentine's Day in February 2023 featuring Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw and model-actress Nidhi Tapadia went viral. The post featured a picture of the two with the caption "Happy valentine's my wifey". Shortly after, Shaw deleted the post and clarified that the story was fake and his pictures had been edited.4) Cheating allegation followed by clarification by fiancée Akriti AgarwalShaw’s fiancée, Akriti Agarwal, recently sparked widespread breakup and cheating rumours after sharing, and later deleting, cryptic Instagram stories claiming she had been “cheated on so many times”. However, she has since clarified the situation.The Prithvi Shaw-Akriti Agarwal cheating and breakup controversy began when screenshots circulated of Akriti’s Instagram stories reading: "I got cheated on so many times, yet I never said a word." "Everything is true; every rumour is true. What you see on social media about him."While the posts never explicitly named Prithvi, fans immediately linked the statements to the cricketer, leading to vital rumours of infidelity and an unconfirmed split.However, on July 6, 2026, Akriti Agarwal subsequently broke her silence to dispel the rumours. Through a series of follow-up statements, she clarified that her earlier post was not about Prithvi Shaw.She expressed disappointment at the assumptions made by social media users, confirmed they are still happily engaged, and urged people to stop spreading rumours that were unfairly damaging the cricketer's reputation.Also read: Has Sanju Samson Played His Last T20I? New Twist In India's Asian Games Squad