Indian fast bowler Shivam Mavi hasn’t played in the IPL for the past three years. He last appeared on the field in 2022. Since then, he has either been on the bench or struggling with injuries.
Gujarat Titans bought him for ₹6 crore in the 2023 auction, but he didn’t play a single match.
He then suffered another injury and had to undergo a long rehabilitation period. Franchises started having doubts about his fitness.
Why the problem with Mavi’s bowling action?
Mavi had a problem with his bowling action. The side flexion was causing recurring injuries. After correcting this, he started playing consistently in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh.
He played the entire last season. This time too, he’s doing well in T20 and Ranji Trophy matches. He was a net bowler with LSG, but didn’t get a place in the playing eleven because other players were fit.
Mavi said that going unsold in the auction was very painful. “I was very hurt. I wasn’t thinking about money; I just wanted to get picked by any franchise. I was fine even going at the base price. I just wanted to play.”
He then went shopping with Rinku Singh in frustration. But after that, he focused on domestic cricket. Rinku advised him to keep performing consistently, and he would definitely get a chance.
140+ speed, no compromise
Now Mavi is fully fit. He has changed his action, which has increased his speed. He also learned a lot from Zaheer Khan when he was with LSG. Zaheer told him to keep his run-up and release smooth for more pace.
Mavi himself says, “140+, all day. Every day.” This season in the UPT20 League, he bowled at a speed of 140-143 km/h. He’s maintaining good recovery, which is why his body is performing well.
The auction is on December 16th in Abu Dhabi. Mavi’s base price is ₹75 lakh. He is confident that a team will definitely buy him this time. He’s been consistently playing in domestic cricket, and franchises are taking notice. His fitness is proving itself in the longer format.
Mavi has played 6 T20 Internationals for India. Now, he’s ready to make a big impact again with his return to the IPL.
