IPL 2018 | Shivam Mavi and Avesh Khan can serve Indian cricket for long time, feels Kris Srikkanth

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Kris Srikkanth has been impressed by Avesh Khan and Shivam Mavi’s performance in the 2018 IPL and feels that if they are moulded properly, the duo can serve the country for a long time. Even though the youngsters have taken a combined 7 wickets so far, he believes stats don't tell the full story.

Former Indian batsman Kris Srikkanth has made heaps of praises for the young Indian fast bowling duo, Avesh Khan and Shivam Mavi, who have bowled at a brisk pace of 140+ throughout their spells. Srikkant was impressed by the pace and bounce of Khan and praised the smooth flow of Mavi.

“A matter of joy is some of the unheralded Indian bowlers catching the eye with impressive performances in this IPL. Among them, Avesh Khan with his raw pace and disconcerting bounce and Shivam Mavi with his fluid action and nice rhythm, have impressed me the most,” Srikanth wrote in his column for TOI on Wednesday.

Avesh Khan has played 3 matches in this IPL and has taken 4 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.75. While Shivam Mavi has taken only 3 wickets in the 6 matches he has played. Statistically, they both have not been eye-catching, but Srikkanth feels that if both the bowlers are given adequate training and guidance, then they would have a lasting career for the country. 

“The numbers might not stack up favourably for this duo, yet if moulded properly, they can serve Indian cricket well for a long time, in all formats. Even in a run filled game in Pune, Avesh proved his mettle by hitting the bat high and hard. To hurry class batsmen with pace is a rare quality and bowling fast is an art that can hardly be taught,” wrote Srikkanth.  

Mavi was one of the major reasons for Under-19 India’s World Cup triumph and he has shown the same promise in IPL as well. However, Srikkanth picks Avesh Khan ahead of Mavi for his impressive economy. Srikkanth seemed particularly impressed by the fact that Avesh Khan can consistently clock over 140 and felt that the bowler has a built of a genuine fast bowler. 

“Just for his air speed and fearless approach, I would pick Avesh ahead of the others. To bowl on these shirtfronts for less than eight per over and to also pick up wickets is no mean feat. Imagine the kind of effect he would have on wickets that would support his skills. Well I have seen a few Indian speedsters who have clocked 140kph plus in the last 10 years. What makes Avesh stand out is his consistency. Agreed that four over spells are easy on the body, yet the makings of a genuine fast bowler is unmistakable,” Srikanth, who scored 6153 runs for India across ODIs and Tests, mentioned.

Mavi has an economy of around 10, which is slightly expensive, but Srikkanth felt that bowling in the death has distorted his stats and having some good matches under his belt will help him immensely. Srikkanth also pointed out the fast bowlers must be given some sort of freedom in terms of economy and they should be allowed to just bowl as quick as he feels cricket would be dull without fast bowlers. 

 “Mavi, on the other hand, might have gone for a few runs but the fact that he is bowling at the death, makes his pace a liability. The under-19 star would do well with experience and a few more big games under his belt. The world often loses sheer raw pace to line and length and economy rates. Quick bowlers must be encouraged to run in hard and bowl quick. Believe me as an opening batsman it was tough to stand up to these pacers and score. Cricket will be dull if quality fast bowlers don’t exist,” he wrote.

In the KKR-DD match at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday, Avesh and Mavi were reprimanded for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. They were issued reprimands for two separate incidents during the match. 

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