As the T20I series against Sri Lanka approaches, the star bowler is hopeful of being selected to play for the national team.
India’s national cricket team will play Sri Lanka in the first T20I match of a three-game series on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Hardik Pandya has been chosen as the stand-in captain for the series, as KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are not part of the 16-member squad.
The Indian team will have a youthful lineup, including players such as Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar, and Rahul Tripathi, who have not yet made their debuts for India in any format.
Before the series begins, Indian Premier League (IPL) star Shivam Mavi expressed his hope of being selected to play for the national team.
Shivam Mavi’s Statement
In an interview with PTI, Mavi praised stand-in captain Hardik Pandya and said he was keeping his fingers crossed for the opportunity to play in the series under Pandya’s leadership.
Shivam Mavi said of Hardik Pandya, “He is a great leader. He led Gujarat Titans to the IPL championship in his first season as captain, and he did it by taking bold decisions while remaining calm. He supports every player, and I think he will be a great captain for the national team.”
Mavi went on to say, “As a captain, Hardik bhai is very shrewd and a master tactician. He knows exactly whom to bowl when and whom to promote in the batting order.
Mavi added, “I know it will be difficult for me to earn a place on the national team, but I am hoping to get a chance to play, perform well, and become a regular member of the team.”
What Did Mavi Say Further?
The fast bowler has been performing well in domestic matches, taking 10 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament and 14 scalps in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In the recent IPL 2023 auction, Mavi was purchased by the Gujarat Titans, led by Pandya, for a high price of INR 6 crore. Mavi talked about being chosen for the Titans and how it could benefit him in the upcoming IPL season.
Mavi said, “I was expecting to be bought for around INR 5-6 crore, so I was pleased with the result. It’s a reflection of my consistent performance. I really wanted to join the Gujarat Titans, because I’ve heard that their management is excellent. “
Mavi added, “The Titans have Hardik bhai and (Ashish) Nehra bhai, two of the best strategists in the game, so I think it will be a great opportunity for me.”
