Shivam Mavi keen to use Deodhar Trophy to re-ignite ODI ambitions 

Shivam Mavi endured back injuries before making his international debut in T20s. He persevered in domestic cricket, earning a call-up. Despite no IPL game, he bounced back with nine wickets in Duleep Trophy. He hopes to use Deodhar Trophy to break into one-day side. Mavi is a key player in India's transition phase.

After grabbing headlines with his efforts in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, Shivam Mavi had to endure painful back injuries for a while before he could get back on track.

The 24-year-old pacer’s perseverance paid off earlier in the year when he made his international debut in T20s playing six matches, three against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

It was a reward for his hard yards in domestic cricket over the last year, where he came up with commendable performances across formats. The young pacer hopes to make a stronger case for himself in the upcoming season and is looking to use the Deodhar Trophy to break into the one-day side.

“In 2018, I had stress fractures back to back. So I had to concentrate on my workload management and improve my fitness levels. I found the right level of how many balls I needed to bowl depending on the format, and my body has adapted well to that,” said Mavi on how he forged his way to a national call-up.

“It feels extra nice when you come after good performances at the lower levels. It helps you be in a very positive mindset, especially when you earn your call after good performances,” he added.

However, despite playing for the country, Mavi found himself warming the benches at Gujarat Titans during the IPL and did not get a single game because of team combinations. It meant he was out of competitive action for nearly four months until the Duleep Trophy, where he led Central Zone.

“When you do well for the country in the same format, and then you don’t get the opportunity, it does affect you mentally. But I managed myself, focussing on improving my fitness and managing the bowling workload. After that was Duleep Trophy, and I was focussing on bowling long spells,” said Mavi about his IPL stint this year.