NEW DELHI:
It has been three years since Shivam Mavi last participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His last match was in IPL 2022, and since then, he has dealt with injuries and been mostly sidelined. Although Gujarat Titans acquired him for ₹6 crore in the 2023 auction, he didn’t play in any matches. Following another injury, Mavi underwent extensive rehabilitation and recognized the need to focus on a lasting solution to stay fit.
After receiving feedback about his bowling action—which needed adjustments—Mavi found himself back in the domestic circuit playing well for Uttar Pradesh, but franchise interest still didn’t materialize. He was nearly signed by the injury-hit Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2025, but the early recovery of other players meant he remained as a net bowler instead.
With the IPL auction looming, Mavi is feeling optimistic about getting a contract this time. He claims to be injury-free and has been actively participating in matches, asserting, “140+, all day. Every day.”
Memories of IPL
Mavi reflected, “It’s been three years since I last played. Two years were without an opportunity, and I got injured in my first match in the third year. It feels like a long time.”
Domestic Struggles
Despite previously playing T20Is for India and attracting interest, Mavi faced challenges in the domestic circuit. He admitted the loneliness of the grind: “You question what to improve and how to get back to the national level. I focused on performing consistently, knowing that chances would come.”
Dealing with Desperation
Mavi acknowledged the human tendency to feel desperation, especially when out of action. However, he has found solace in focusing on things under his control and taking each match as it comes, emphasizing the importance of patience.
Learning and Growth
During his downtime, Mavi worked on his bowling action, especially the side flexion that caused his injuries. He noted that participating in club matches helped him maintain his rhythm and execute his skills effectively during domestic games.
Preparation for the Upcoming Auction
Mavi expressed disappointment over not getting picked in the last auction despite his decent domestic performance. Learning from past experiences, he sees the upcoming auction as a fresh opportunity. He feels ready and confident, having played well throughout the season and gathered learning from veteran players like Zaheer Khan.
Final Thoughts on Pace
Mavi concluded that he has been consistently bowling speeds between 140–142 km/h in recent matches, emphasizing, “There is no compromise on speed. It’s actually increasing.”
