“Remember, setbacks are part of the story of every great athlete,” Chappell, former Australia captain and India coach, wrote to Shaw in a letter seen and published by the Indian Times. “Even legends like Don Bradman faced the disappointment of being eliminated and had to fight back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them.”
“The past does not define you, Prithvi. What matters is what you do from here. You are still in your prime, with so many years ahead of you to leave your mark”
“I understand that you are facing a challenging time right now, being away from the Mumbai team. It is natural to feel frustrated and perhaps a little insecure, but I want you to know that these moments are often turning points for athletes, helping shape their careers and their character,” Chappell wrote. “I remember watching you play for the Indian under-19 team, where you showed extraordinary talent and a spark that made it clear that you were among the most exciting young cricketers of your time. Those of us who recognize your potential are still watching Pay attention to your path, knowing that the best is yet to come.”
One of Chappell’s suggestions for Shaw is to move from a results-oriented to a process-oriented mindset: “That shift, from results-focused to process-focused, transformed my approach both in practice and in games. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey of self-reflection. It’s easy to blame circumstances, but ultimately your response to these challenges will define your path.”
“The past does not define you, Prithvi,” Chappell wrote. “What matters is what you do from now on. You are still in your prime, with so many years ahead of you to make your mark. Take this time to visualize the cricketer and the person you want to become. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to do it better.
“Take care of your body, get the right amount of rest and develop the strength and focus you need. The door back to the Indian team is open if you are willing to walk through it, but it requires a commitment to growth and change.
“Know that I, and many others, believe in you and are here to support your journey back to the top. If I can ever help you or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Everything is at your fingertips for you to reach your goal. maximum potential.”
