'He feels wanted. People are fighting for him': Jadeja's ultimate 'Hardik's asset' remark after India youngster rocks SL

The India youngster overshadowed the likes of Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda and Umran Malik and rattled Sri Lanka with a stunning performance and Ajay Jadeja has backed him to become one of Hardik Pandya's most dependable options.

India pulled off a thrilling two-run win in the 1st T20I to maintain their unbeaten streak over Sri Lanka at home. Hardik Pandya and Co. survived an assault from Dasun Shanaka and later a fright from Chamika Karunaratne with Axar Patel defending 12 off the final over. For India, there were several impactful contributions ranging from Umran Malik snaring two wickets to Deepak Hooda and Axar scoring crucial runs in the lower order. However, the one contribution that made heads turn was that was Shivam Mavi, who on debut, sizzled with figures of 4/22.

Hardik Pandya has plenty of promising talents in his team (BCCI)

The last 15 days have been pretty happening in Mavi's life. He was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for ₹6 crore by reigning champions Gujarat Titans at the IPL 2023 auction, making the India quick the costliest uncapped purchase of all time. Mavi then earned his maiden international call-up and got presented with his India cap. To make the occasions sweeter, Mavi picked up a wicket in his first over, clean bowling Pathum Nissanka cheaply and then sending back Dhananjaya de Silva in his second. That in both over, he picked up the wicket after getting hit for consecutive boundaries speaks volumes of his confidence, feels Ajay Jadeja. The former India cricketer was particularly impressed with Mavi's ability to keep going, persist with his plans and not get rattled despite being taken for runs.

"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. 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.

After grabbing two wickets in two overs, Mavi was shuffled brilliantly by Hardik. He returned to bowl the 15th and 18th over succeeding there as well. He got rid of Wanindu Hasaranga who was beginning to look threatening followed by the wicket of Maheesh Theekshana. Filling in on Mavi's unique ability to bowl in different phases of the game, Jadeja believes the trait can be a deal-breaker and make the 24-year-old quick become one of Pandya's go-to weapons in the future.

"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. 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.