The son of a stock broker in New Delhi, Shiv's parents encouraged him to study at Harvard University but he crucially opted for Purdue University as he felt it would benefit his golfing career. Shiv credits Australian swing coach Kel Llewellyn for turning his game around in the summer os 2005, and has never looked back. Shiv earned the admiration of Fred Couples, who predicted a bright future for the Indian talent when they played together at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.

It was a jubilant 2005 for Shiv where he enjoyed his first major victory at the Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand, claiming his maiden title with a tournament record of 20-under-par 268. He also registered several other impressive finishes, including a sensational run of five top-10s over six tournaments to finish fourth on the Asian Tour order of Merit. He was named rookie of the year.

Shiv continued to mature into a top-class player, qualifying for his maiden major at the British Open in 2006 and enjoying three top 20 finishes on the European Tour, where he is now a regular.

Shiv enjoyed a stellar amateur career where the main highlight was winning the 2002 Asian Games individual gold medal in Korea.