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Shivam Mavi recalls his journey through injuries to maiden India call-up


image-lcejin37Shivam Mavi (PC: Twitter)

Shivam Mavi has earned his maiden team India call-up as the 24-year-old was named in India’s 16 member squad for the upcoming three match T20I series against Sri Lanka. 

The Uttar Pradesh speedster’s inclusion came up as a big surprise to many as he had a below average IPL season last year with Kolkata Knight Riders. Moreover, he was released by the franchise and seemed nowhere near in the scheme of things.

However, Mavi had a terrific white ball season with UP in the ongoing domestic season which must have paved his way to the T20I squad. In seven matches in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season, Mavi took 10 wickets with an economy rate of just 6.64 and at a strike rate of 13.1. 

Mavi on taking inspiration from Pat Cummins

image-lcejhfa4Shivam Mavi and Pat Cummins (PC: BCCI/IPL)

Mavi first came up to the scene when he was clocking over 140 kmph consistently during the trophy winning campaign of U19 World Cup in New Zealand back in 2018. However, his journey has been full of highs and lows due to injuries but all looks like a dream comes true now for the Noida born cricketer.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mavi recalled his tough times through injuries from his U19 days.

"I thought if I keep performing consistently after the U19 World Cup, then the India call-up wasn't too far away. But once I started getting injured, that target appeared to have moved much further away,"

The 24-year-old further takes inspiration from the career pathway of current Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, who also went through a lot of injuries during the early stage of his career.

"There's a particular bone there that doesn't develop fully until one is 22 years of age. We have seen Pat Cummins suffer three stress fractures when he was 18-19. When you put excess pressure at that kind of age, injuries are possible."

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place on third January, Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium. 


Also Read: OneCricket's ODI Team of the Year