Shivam Mavi, the bowler who was recognised for his pace during the U-19 World Cup which Team India won, had an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Kolkata Knight Riders.
In the 9 matches he played for KKR, Mavi picked up 5 wickets including that of one of the finest left-handed batsmen—Gautam Gambhir. Mavi almost bowled at 149 Kmph speed throughout the season. 149.86 Kmph was his fastest delivery.
In an exclusive chat with InUth post-IPL, Mavi spoke on various topics, including picking Gambhir’s wicket and meeting Shah Rukh Khan.
Here are the excerpts from his interview:
How was your IPL experience?
It was a great experience for me. Being an all-rounder, I learned a lot from my seniors and experienced players like my coach Jacque Kallis, Mitchell Jhonson among others.
On your debut match, you were asked to bowl 15th over. Why?
Before the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), it was decided in a meeting that I’ll bowl the first over, then somewhere in the middle and the remaining two at the end. I was ready for that. But, it did not go as planned. I was given the 15th over. That time I became nervous. After one or two balls, I cooled myself down. After my 1st over, I was confident that I’ll get another one. But, that didn’t happen too.
Cleaned up Gautam Gambhir in your second IPL outing. Your reaction?
It was amazing! (*smiles*) Actually, in T20 cricket, we work on the batsman’s weakness and make our plans accordingly. And I bowled exactly how we planned for him and I got his wicket.
How was Dinesh Karthik as a captain?
This was the first time he was leading a side in IPL and this was my first season too. I enjoyed playing under him. I hope next year he’ll come up with some amazing captaincy plans.
How did your first meeting with team owner Shah Rukh Khan go?
I met him (SRK) on my IPL debut. He’s calm and cool. While I was leaving for the stadium, he met me and wished all the best. He also said ‘do your best and don’t take any pressure’.
How was your meeting with MS Dhoni?
I met Dhoni after our game with them and asked for his feedback on my performance. He told me that I was bowling at a good speed and that it’s not easy to hit on my bowling. He advised me to keep the focus on my line and length.
Do you hope to get selected in the Indian squad for World Cup 2019?
I am bowling at a good speed, getting swing as well. I played in England earlier, so I think these factors will be in my favour to get picked in India’s WC squad.
