Fast bowlers Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar were two unexpected additions to India’s squad for the series against Sri Lanka. The T20I roster that India announced last month for the series against Sri Lanka mostly followed expectations. While Rohit Sharma continued to recover from his thumb injury, Hardik Pandya was captain. Virat Kohli was rested, but neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Ravindra Jadeja had returned. Harshal Patel was reinstated and Suryakumar Yadav was promoted to vice-captain.
However, fast bowlers Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar were two unexpected additions to the team. Having worked a very long time in the homegrown circuit, both had a critical IPL 2022 closeout going for strong cash, just for the event to get better days after the fact. Although Delhi Capitals selected Mukesh for the 5.5 core, Shivam Mavi’s aspiration to play cricket for India skyrocketed. Mavi was on the same team as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw that helped India win the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2018.
Mavi was left behind because of a series of injuries that simply hampered him and pushed him down the pecking order, while the two openers went on to make a name for themselves. However, a resurgent comeback in 2022 saw him earn his dues. He took 14 wickets in seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing 10th, and another 10 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the IPL closeout, defending champs Gujarat Titans burned through ₹6 crores on him.
Making Mavi the most costly uncapped Indian purchase ever. Mavi was aware that his career was given a boost right then. When we play our own games, we frequently go to bed on time so that we can obtain proper rest. But that day, I was sitting in Saurabh bhaiyya’s room with Samarth Singh because I had heard that the team was about to be announced. Saurabh bhaiyya is a left-arm spinner. When I learned of my choice, briefly, everything halted. It was an incredible sensation. Mavi told ESPNCricinfo, “I was emotional, but I knew my time had come.”
Mavi has already sustained a number of injuries. In addition to two stress fractures that kept him out of action for nearly a year, he has already sustained an ACL injury. Mavi, who frequently bowled in the 140s, had to slow down while he was recovering. Mavi says that during this time of setbacks, he could have let the disappointments get to him, but the 24-year-old decided to keep his head up. He even shared a tale highlighting India’s lead trainer Rahul Dravid.
Who was likewise his mentor when India lifted the World Cup quite a while back and keeping in mind that Mavi was going through recovery at the Public Cricket Foundation – that assisted him with recovering financially. “My mental fortitude has always been quite high. During this time, I learned that injuries are a part of the game. When things are going your way, it’s easy to stay positive, but when you’re hurt, it’s more important to stay positive.
That’s all I ever kept in mind,” Mavi continued. “Rahul [Dravid] sir and I were both at the NCA when I got hurt the second time. I was feeling the squeeze in view of my rehashed wounds. I sought him out at that point and inquired about his guidance. He instructed me to solely concentrate on the playing field. While injuries will occur and pass, it is essential to remain prepared for all opportunities.”