Shivam Mavi refuses to compromise on pace despite injuries: ‘Bowling at less than 140 km/h is…’

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Shivam Mavi


Indian pace bowler Shivam Mavi recently spoke 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 will not compromise on pace as he works to regain his bowling rhythm in competitive cricket.

Mavi was part of the winning campaign during the 2018 U-19 World Cup under captain Prithvi Shaw and coach Rahul Dravid. Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh have all 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 at 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 that he is committed to maintaining his bowling speed. He mentioned that he has made efforts to keep his pace high. Mavi acknowledged that hitting 140 kmph after an injury is difficult until he gets his rhythm back.

“The pace gave me the recognition. If you are bowling at less than 140 kilometres per hour, it becomes easier for the batters. I have tried to maintain that pace. Reaching 140 after an injury is difficult until 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 at 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 started playing after a long time – Shivam Mavi

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

The 25-year-old said a recurrence of a spinal injury during IPL 2024 delayed his rehabilitation. Mavi mentioned that he is now fit and focused on getting his rhythm back despite these setbacks. He expressed hope of participating in the entire domestic season.

“Rehab is repetitive, but after so many injuries, I’ve made peace with it. The thing that irritates me the most is not being able to get my rhythm back. The moment you step on the field, you feel like I’ll be back to my old self, but to actually hit the distance you want to throw, it only comes after you’ve played a few competitive matches. That feeling of ‘I’m good to play’ comes when you start hitting the distance you want to throw. Once that happens, then you feel like ‘Oh, I’m getting closer now.'”

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