Shivam Mavi refuses to compromise on pace despite injuries: 'Bowling below 140 kph makes...'

Indian bowler Shivam Mavi recently opened up about his commitment to maintaining his bowling speed despite suffering four stress fractures in his back and a knee injury. Shivam Mavi said that he won't compromise on pace as he works on regaining his bowling rhythm in competitive cricket.

Mavi was part of the winning campaign during the 2018 Under-19 World Cup under captain Prithvi Shaw and coach Rahul Dravid. Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh have represented India. Riyan Parag also recently made his debut for India during the T20I series in Zimbabwe.

Shivam Mavi was a standout performer for India in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. The fast bowler took nine wickets in six matches. Mavi was touted as a future star for the Men in Blue. However, he has faced significant setbacks due to four stress fractures in his back and a Grade II knee injury.

Pace Game Me The Recognition - Shivam Mavi

Speaking to The Indian Express, Shivam Mavi said he is committed to maintaining his bowling speed. He mentioned that he has made efforts to stick to his high pace. Mavi acknowledged that reaching 140 km/h after an injury is difficult until he regains his rhythm.

"Pace gave me the recognition. If you are bowling below 140 kilometres per hour, it becomes easier for the batsmen. I have tried to stick to that pace. To hit 140 after an injury is difficult till you find that rhythm," said the young speedster.

Mavi's impressive pace earned him a call-up to the Indian team in January 2023. The bowler has played six T20Is, taking seven wickets with an average of 17.57 and an economy rate of 8.79, with his best performance being 4/22. He last played for India in a T20I match against New Zealand in February 2023.

I Have Started Playing After A Long Time - Shivam Mavi

Shivam Mavi was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 6.4 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. However, he missed IPL 2024 due to injury. Mavi has made his comeback with Kashi Rudras in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League after being sidelined since August 2023.

The 25-year-old said that a recurrence of a spine injury during IPL 2024 delayed his rehab. Mavi mentioned that he is now fit and focused on regaining his rhythm despite these setbacks. He expressed hope to participate in the entire domestic season.

"I have started playing after a long time. The recurrence of the injury during the IPL delayed my rehab. It was in the spine, close to the spot where the second stress fracture was. It didn’t heal properly, and it recurred when I was at the LSG camp. Now I am fit and feeling good. I am trying to get my rhythm back. Hopefully, I will play the entire domestic season," Mavi added.

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