Rising star Shivam Mavi gets advice from Rahul Dravid

Young Indian fast-bowling sensation Shivam Mavi is following the advice of his Under-19 coach Rahul Dravid. Meanwhile, Dravid’s pearls of wisdom are precious for any young cricketer and Mavi is no exception.

Mavi, who starred for India in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand will represent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the impending Indian Premier League (IPL). Knight Riders roped in the young fast bowler for a whopping INR 3 crores at the auction in January.

“Rahul Sir told us that ‘money will keep flowing in but just remember what is it that has helped you earn so much money and focus on that. It’s cricket for you. If you give time to cricket then it will give you back, whatever you want.’ His words still rings in my ears,” Mavi told PTI.

Meanwhile, Mavi is looking for a strong performance in the cash-rich to book a place in Uttar Pradesh Ranji team. He impressed everybody with his brisk pace and his ability to swing in the land of Kiwis.

However, unlike Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Porel, he is yet to play for his state side at the senior level.

“Post-IPL, the main focus will be on domestic cricket. I am yet to make my debut in domestic cricket (first-class, List A or T20). IPL is an opportunity to grab limelight if you do well. It becomes easier from here, if you do well here,” Mavi added.

Mavi revealed that he is a great fan of Dale Steyn and was lucky to get a glimpse of the South African great during a net session at the Kotla. Further, he talked about focusing more on rhythm which will help to increase his pace.

“I don’t focus much on pace. The main accent is on the rhythm. Once you get your rhythm right, you can generate pace. Rahul Sir said to focus on bringing consistency in line and length. It was just before England’s India tour (January last year). He worked on our weakness, like core, strengthening work. It helped in generating pace,” Mavi recalls.

Shivam Mavi is excited to share the dressing room with Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson and hopes to learn from them.

“I am looking forward to playing my first match. There will be pressure. It’s natural and comes to everyone. It’s about controlling them. When nervous, I just look at what the batsman does. I just look in front — at the square, and not beyond,” he concluded.

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