Shiv is the son of a stock broker in New Delhi. His parents wanted him to study at Harvard University but he opted for Purdue University as he felt it would benefit his golfing career. Was an All-American. Turned to Australian swing coach Kel Llewellyn during the summer break in 2005 and said it turned his game around. "I just started to concentrate on making the swing simpler," said Shiv

Shiv continued to mature into a top-class player in 2006, qualifying for his maiden major at the British Open. Also finished top-20 on four occasions. Earned the admiration of Fred Couples, who predicted a bright future for the Indian talent. It was a jubilant 2005 for Shiv where he enjoyed his first major victory at the Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand. He claimed his maiden title after defeating compatriot and 2004 champion Jyoti Randhawa. The 23-year-old won with a tournament record of 20-under-par 268. Named rookie of the year in 2005. After earning his Tour card from Qualifying School in January, 2005, he registered several impressive finishes, including a sensational run of five top-10s over six tournaments. Contended in the Crowne Plaza Open, Beijing before finishing third and lost in a play-off to Thai amateur star Chinarat Phadungsil in the inaugural Double A International Open in Thailand. Shiv enjoyed a stellar amateur career where the main highlight was winning the 2002 Asian Games individual gold medal in Korea.