Shivam Mavi was touted for big things sooner than expected when he played a big part in India’s Under-19 World Cup victory in 2018. However, lengthy injury layoffs and ordinary performances in the IPL for KKR meant that Mavi’s suffered some setbacks, including being released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2023 auction.
In the auction, he was picked up by Gujarat Titans, whose captain Hardik Pandya is also now an interim captain of India’s T20I team.
Mavi had been ripping up in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (10 wickets at an average of only 14)and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (14 wickets at only 17 apiece) before he got his maiden India call-up for the Sri Lanka T20Is.
So while it was a surprise for those who haven’t followed domestic cricket, for those who did, it was on par with being expected that Mavi was among wickets on his debut T20I: defending a par total of 162 at the dewy Wankhede against Sri Lanka, Mavi finished with stunning debut figures of 4/22, his wickets including top order batters Dhananjaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka.
His opening new ball spell, along with Hardik Pandya, was crucial in India being able to defend this total, and emerge victorious by only 2 runs in a thrilling encounter.
Mavi said he’d been waiting for a long time for his chance to don the India blue jersey, adding that the injuries made him think he may not even reach till here. But he did. And how.
“The landing zone was a little slippery. Was waiting for six years after playing U19. Had to work hard in those six years – got injured as well. For a while it looked like my dream will remain a dream. But I kept at it. Having played the IPL, the nervousness is a little less. My idea in the powerplay is to attack and get them out. Favourite dismissal was the first one(Nissaka), getting him bowled,” Mavi said after the match.
Fans and experts hailed 24-year-old Shivam Mavi’s solid show with the ball on Twitter:
A skilful Mavi with the ball was the highlight of the night! But what we saw today, skipper Hardik had seen and realised months ago when he made Mavi a Gujarat Titan. #INDvSL
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) January 3, 2023
Terrfic captaincy by Hardik Pandya👌
Great start to the year for team India.
Well done Shivam Mavi ❤️#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/kRZQ8MDIHK
— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 3, 2023
Shivam Mavi wasn’t feeling the pressure on debut and it showed 👊
A debut to frame 🖼️#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/ET7FDneGgm
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 3, 2023
Indians to pick 4 wicket haul on debut:
– Pragyan Ojha.
– Barinder Sran.
– Shivam Mavi.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 3, 2023
यत्र प्रतिभा अवसरं प्राप्नोति
Shivam Mavi had a dream debut. Was one of the finds for India in U19 WC in 2020. Had good experience with KKR in the IPL. Got picked for GT for 6cr & now he’s a Capped Indian who had a fantastic start to his career. So happy for Mavi
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 3, 2023
What a debut for #ShivamMavi. His bowling figure (4-0-22-4) against Sri Lanka in first T20I match.
A top class spell on debut. Brilliant Mavi.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/A9e57TOyrC
— the shubhankar Mishra (@theshubhankarM1) January 3, 2023
At a venue that is normally brutal to bowlers, two teams have bowled brilliantly. Mavi and Pandya were superb with the new ball.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2023
Shivam Mavi impresses on debut as India defend 162 https://t.co/tG7qdsmyTn
— Pankaj Khanna (@Pankajkhanna93) January 3, 2023
So happy for him,long way to go champ! #ShivamMavi pic.twitter.com/1PEdo1WI9T
— Jαყαɳƚ Sԋαɾɱα 🚩 (@JAYANTS86490628) January 3, 2023
बधाई हो @ShivamMavi23
क्या गेंद है #ShivamMavi pic.twitter.com/RtNNJQOQzY— Girraj Gurjar 🇮🇳 (@AwanaGurjar1) January 3, 2023
