With Indian Premier League (IPL) approaching its business end, the focus will slowly towards India’s tour of Australia. The selectors headed by Sunil Joshi is likely to meet next week to pick a jumbo squad. Ahead of that, former selector MSK Prasad has stated that young fast bowler Shivam Mavi can be a surprise pick.

The fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh has been impressive in the last couple of seasons. He first impressed during India’s U-19 World Cup campaign. In that same year, Kolkata Knight Riders roped Shivam Mavi for IPL and since then, he has been an integral part of the side.

Shivam Mavi can be a surprise pick – MSK Prasad

Mavi has also been in good in the ongoing IPL in the UAE and has shouldered responsibility alongside Pat Cummins and Lockie Ferguson. So far he has scalped seven wickets from seven matches at an economy rate of touch under nine. As the selectors sit to pick the squad for the Australia series, former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad has urged the selectors to consider Shivam Mavi.

“(Shivam) Mavi could be given exposure as an extra pacer at least in white-ball and may be groomed later for red ball,” Prasad said to PTI. 

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Shardul-Siraj fight for fifth pacer spot

Meanwhile, the selectors will be in a lot of dilemma as they sit to pick the squad. With Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar all but ruled out due to injury, there will be a fight for the fifth pacer spot. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Umesh Yadav will be the first three pacers.

Navdeep Saini in all likelihood be the fourth fast bowler in the squad and a place for the fifth pacer will be up for grabs between Shardul Thakur and Mohammad Siraj. MSK Prasad said Siraj can be a good option in Australian conditions with the red ball.

“Siraj has really done well for India A over the past few seasons. I think he is a better red ball bowler and could be very handy in Australian conditions,” Prasad added.