'All the mazaak-masti happens, but...' - Prithvi Shaw's views on Indian players' camaraderie echo R Ashwin's 'no friends, all are colleagues' remark

Prithvi Shaw (Source: Twitter)

Ravichandran Ashwin recently opened up about the relationship between Team India players, which might make a few Indian fans reminisce about old memories of Indian cricket. "Once upon a time when cricket was played, all your teammates were friends. Now, they’re colleagues, said the veteran spinner. Recently, young India cricketer Prithvi Shaw opened up about his thoughts on the matter, which unfortunately echoed Ashwin's startling remark.

Shaw, known for his explosive powerplay game, has dropped off the radar of Indian selectors, constantly being ignored by the national squad. The 23-year-old's recent disappointment was being ignored in the Asian Games squad, where most of the youngsters were given the opportunity to represent the nation.

When asked who in the Indian team he would open up to about difficult points in his career, the right-handed batter revealed that he has not opened up to anyone. The Delhi Capitals opener, who said he shares his thoughts with his father and coach, stated that the players are not open to each other.

"Everyone talks to each other. But opening up... hardly. At least, I've never opened up to anyone. Yes, all the mazaak-masti (fun and games) happens. But personal space used to be personal," Shaw said.

"I keep talking to my dad. If it's about cricket, I reach out to my coach, Prashant Shetty. I am telling you, nowadays, I have stopped sharing my thoughts with people. I keep it all within," he added.

I feel the concept of best friend has been created by us: Prithvi Shaw

The Maharashtra-born cricketer said that earlier he used to open up to people easily, but certain incidents made him stop. "I say things frankly. Earlier, when someone would speak to me nicely, I would open up easily. Later, I would get to know someone is saying the same things behind my back. Not once, this has happened several times. But it doesn't matter to me now. I understood on my own that this world works differently.

"I feel the concept of best friend has been created by us. 'He's my best friend'. A 'friend' is fine, but there are no 'best friends' as such. I also have friends, I am also a friend, but best friend - you won't share everything with them. You won't give your ATM pin to them, right? They say 'best friend is the one who shares everything'. We can't share all this, no?" he concluded.