Shivam Mavi Picked On IPL Favouritism? Jadeja Hints Hardik Pandya And Gujarat Titans Alliance Made His T20I Debut Possible

Shivam Mavi Picked On IPL Favouritism? Jadeja Hints Hardik Pandya And Gujarat Titans Alliance Made His T20I Debut Possible. India defeated Sri Lanka in the first T20I by a thrilling two-run margin to maintain their perfect home record. As Hardik Pandya and company resisted an assault from Dasun Shanaka and a subsequent scare from Chamika Karunaratne, Axar Patel protected 12 off the final over.

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Ajay Jadeja Impressed By Debutant Shivam Mavi Shivam Mavi Can Be Used Differently: Ajay Jadeja

There were some important contributions made by India. Shivam Mavi, who made just one contribution and dominated his debut with 4/22, was the center of attention.

The last 15 days have been incredibly exciting in Mavi’s life. The Indian became the most expensive uncapped pacer signing ever when the reigning champion Gujarat Titans paid 6 crores for him during the IPL 2023 auction. After that, Mavi was handed his India cap and made his debut for a foreign team.

Mavi took a wicket in his first over by clean bowling Pathum Nissanka for a low score, then in his second over, he returned Dhananjaya de Silva. Ajay Jadeja believes it speaks volumes about his confidence that he was able to take up the wicket in both overs despite being hammered for two consecutive boundaries.

Ajay Jadeja Impressed By Debutant Shivam Mavi

The former Indian cricketer was particularly impressed with Mavi’s tenacity and capacity to accomplish his objectives without faltering in the face of pressure, despite going for a couple of boundaries.

“What was heartening to see that after getting hit for a couple of boundaries, generally a young man playing his first game starts thinking defensively sometimes. And he had a good run. Last month has been good; he has been picked by a captain who is now leading India as well. So he feels wanted.

Shivam Mavi and Hardik Pandya (PC-Getty Images)

There are people who have been fighting for him. And here he comes in and picks up 4 wickets in his first game. It’s a day to remember. It’s a debut game; he played a major role. There was 18th over, then there was another… all 4 overs, he has had a wicket,” Jadeja said on Cricbuzz.

Hardik skillfully moved Shivam Mavi after taking two wickets in just two overs. The 15th and 18th overs, which he bowled after returning, were both successful. Wanindu Hasaranga, who was becoming a threat, was removed, followed by Maheesh Theekshana’s wicket.

Shivam Mavi Can Be Used Differently: Ajay Jadeja

Jadeja believes that Mavi’s unique ability to bowl in different areas of the game may be a game-changer and, in the long run, become the 24-year-old one of Pandya’s go-to tools.

“All those 4 wickets have come in different stages of the game, which shows that the captain has the confidence in him to bowl anywhere. And if you can do that, for a captain – for Hardik – that’s an asset because it doesn’t allow the oppositions to plan against you. You can be used differently.

Hardik Pandya & Shivam Mavi. Pic Credits: Twitter

You can have a bad over and still be brought back. All things look good for him. He has got a captain who has made him comfortable here. He will grow as a player,” added Jadeja.