Shivam Mavi: My ultimate goal is to play for India

Shivam Mavi

Though India's under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Shivam Mavi is all set to experience his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the pacer's ultimate target is to represent India. Mavi, who picked up nine wickets in New Zealand, is in the city to play for ONGC in DY Patil T20 Cup. "IPL will be a good challenge, because now people will be expecting more since I bowled well in the U-19 World Cup. But my ultimate target is to play at the top level and represent India.

"I know if I perform well on this stage [IPL], it will help me get to the next level. Selectors watch IPL, so I will try my best," Mavi, who brought by Kolkata Knight Riders for R3 crore, told mid-day yesterday. When asked about handling pressure, he said: "I've observed that if I prepare well, I am able to perform without any pressure. It worked for our team during the U-19 World Cup too. To reach the next level, a player needs to go through a good learning process than just hard work. Knowing how to bowl to a particular batsman or which ball should be avoided makes a big difference. The quicker you learn, the better the results."

Mavi, who is awaiting his debut first-class season, felt fitness gave him an added advantage. "I have not played a first-class match yet [for Uttar Pradesh], so the forthcoming domestic season will be an important one. Whatever matches I play, I will try and find aspects that are crucial to take wickets. One should have good fitness to take wickets. I have worked on my fitness a lot for the last one year and it has helped me increase my pace. I will continue giving the same importance to fitness," said Mavi.

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