India men’s cricket team have return back in action, playing their first game of 2023 in the first of the three T20I series against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Having led India in the T20Is in New Zealand, Hardik Pandya is leading the team for the first time at home. While young guns Gill and Mavi make their T20I debut in the blue jersey.
Both the teams last played in a bilateral series last year when Sri Lanka toured India for a three-match T20I series and two Test matches, losing all five games.
In last year’s T20 World Cup, India reached the semifinals while Sri Lanka were knocked out during the Super 12 stage. Earlier last year, Sri Lanka had won the 2022 Asia Cup in UAE.
“We didn’t have a good World Cup, so we would look to step up and do well in this series. The first game is really important. India have totally changed their lineup. We also got some experience in our camp. We are looking forward to the first game, we must do well in the first game which sets the tone for the other games.”
– said Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka ahead of the T20Is
Moreover, Sri Lanka has won the toss and opted to bowl first. While Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill open India’s innings in the absence of regular Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
Under-19 India teammates Gill and Mavi make their T20I debut
India XI:
Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka.
On top of that, Shivam Mavi and Gill have made their T20I debut. Additionally, they were handed over their debut cap by Captain Hardik Pandya and vice-captain Surya Kumar Yadav.
Debutant Mavi shares his response on maiden call up
In the video uploaded by BCCI, Mavi revealed that he informed his family after coming to terms with his selection and admitted the pride he felt about wearing the jersey.
Speaking at the Wankhede Stadium, the venue for the first T20I, he said:
“I was playing in the Ranji Trophy and it was unbelievable to see my name in the squad. I was numb for a couple of minutes, thinking ‘What just happened?’ I immediately called and told my family and they were happier than me. I just kept looking at my jersey when I wore it.
“Even for U-19, you are obviously playing for India and there’s an emotion. You feel the pride from within to get an opportunity at this level.”
Moreover, the youngster conceded that he has completed a full circle, having started his U-19 career at the Wankhede Stadium and continued:
“When I started playing for India U-19, I started from here only and I’m standing at the same venue for the senior men’s team. Hence, the feeling is excellent as there is a distinct pride in playing for your country. From the U-19 days, I worked extremely hard in the six-year gap and it has paid off.”
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