Shivam Mavi reveals ‘bowlers’ captain’ MS Dhoni’s golden advice for succeeding in T20s [Exclusive]

India’s right-arm pacer Shivam Mavi opened up on a range of themes in an exclusive interaction with CricTracker. The skiddy customer revealed the IPL franchise he would want to represent in the future other than Kolkata Knight Riders. He also touched upon his experience playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya while also elaborating on the golden advice from MS Dhoni which he found really thought-provoking.

Mavi has played six T20Is for India. In the 19 First-Class and 46 List A matches the 26-year-old has played so far, he has picked up 72 wickets each, even picking up the same (five) number of four-wicket hauls. The Uttar Pradesh cricketer has played for KKR in the IPL in a career which has been plagued by a handful of injuries. Here’s how our chat with Mavi went.

Excerpts from the interview

All your international matches have come under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Do you feel you got enough backing from Hardik?

He has backed me, but unfortunately, I wasn’t sure why I couldn’t get a chance in the IPL later. I had to perform and get back to the Indian team. However, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t get enough chances.

Ever since you were dropped from the Indian team, has there been any communication at all from the selectors or management?

No, I didn’t get any communication from anyone.

If you could play for any IPL franchise other than the one you’ve already represented, which would it be and why?

Chennai Super Kings, because I’ve always heard that Mahi bhai is a bowler’s captain. He gives a lot of freedom and makes our job easier by setting up the field. We just have to execute on what ball you’re trying to bowl. A lot to learn from him.

You met MS Dhoni on different occasions during the IPL. What was the best piece of advice you received from him?

He used to advise me that in T20 cricket, even if you concede 40 runs in 2-3 overs, what really matters is if you can bowl the last over well, conceding only 6-7 runs and picking up 1-2 wickets to win the game for your team. Every single ball is crucial and needs to be executed properly. Youngsters often overthink when they get hit for a six, and that creates unnecessary pressure. But if you prepare well and focus on executing each ball, the pressure will automatically reduce.

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