Just a few months back, the Indian cricket team lifted the Under 19 World Cup quite comprehensively. The opposition was no match for the Boys in Blue as they crunched the opposition matches after matches. It looked as if the Indians didn’t have to break a sweat to win the World Cup. But the triumphant world cup was nothing but the work that has been done behind the scenes tirelessly by the coaching staff over the past two years.
India is not known to produce genuine fast bowlers, who clock speeds over 145 kmph consistently and injury-free. However, in past decade the trend has changed quickly as the young guns are bowling balls over 145 kmph on a consistent basis. The newest entrants to that list are Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who impressed one and all with their raw pace and accuracy. To bowl deliveries over 145 kmph at the age of 19 speaks volumes of the quality that India possesses in the domestic cricket.
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Michael Vaughan, the former England skipper, was impressed with Shivam Mavi’s pace. Mavi is currently playing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Although he bowled only two overs and took one wicket in the match against Delhi Daredevils, he surprised the batsmen with his express pace and generated some extra bounce from the wicket.
Vaughan tweeted: “Shivam Mavi is bowling 145 kph …. he is 19 yrs old …. !!!! #IPL … He will play for #India …. Very soon …”
Shivam Mavi is bowling 145 kph …. he is 19 yrs old …. !!!! #IPL … He will play for #India …. Very soon …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 16, 2018
Many former cricketers are expecting the young guns to represent India soon. However, the World Cup win was not the end of the road as they are yet to reach the pinnacle of their career. Mavi has a long way to go and must keep working on his game so that he becomes more accurate and consistent. The IPL experience will provide him a lot of confidence to get ready for the big stage. The World Cup was just a trailer of what Shivam Mavi is capable of achieving in his career. Here are tweets from some other veteran cricketers:
Shivam Mavi young Indian quick bowling 145kph 👍
Good action, excellent varieties and Gambhir as his 1st @IPL wicket 👏#Future#SelectDugout @StarSportsIndia— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) April 16, 2018
Like Shivam Mavi. This experience will be invaluable. Will have good days and bad playing in this higher league. But whatever, musn't compromise on pace.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 16, 2018
Shubham Mavi looks exceptionally gifted. Runs in easily & delivers the ball nonchalantly at 145 kph. Reminds me of young Umesh Yadav when he first arrived on the scene. Indian cricket must nurture him with care. #IPL2018
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 16, 2018
