Top 5 Spells By A Debutant For Team India In T20I cricket
Shivam Mavi made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year (BCCI Twitter)
When it comes to making a memorable entrance onto the international cricket stage, debutants often leave a lasting impression with their exceptional performances. Stepping onto the field, representing the nation, and donning the prestigious Indian jersey is a dream come true for every player.
In T20 Internationals (T20Is), Team India has witnessed some extraordinary displays of skills from fresh faces. From delivering match-winning spells to turning the tide in crucial encounters, these debutants have made their mark on the game.
In this article, we present the top five spells by debutants for Team India in T20Is, showcasing the remarkable talents that have burst onto the scene and etched their names in the history of Indian cricket.
5. Axar Patel – 3/17
On July 17, 2015, Axar Patel made a memorable T20I debut against Zimbabwe, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world. The 28-year-old spinner displayed exceptional skills as he claimed a remarkable three-wicket haul, finishing his allotted overs with impressive figures of 3/17. His victims included Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, and the Zimbabwean skipper Elton Chigumbura.
Axar Patel (ICC Twitter)
Axar's outstanding performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Playing a crucial role in India's victory, the southpaw's stellar contribution helped restrict Zimbabwe to 124/7 in response to India's formidable total of 178. Since then, Axar has continued to make valuable contributions, taking 37 wickets in 40 T20I matches.
4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 3/9
In a clash against their fierce rivals Pakistan, the talented Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased his extraordinary talents as he made his T20I debut in December 2012. Unleashing a mesmerizing display of precision and skill, the star Indian bowler astounded the cricketing community by securing a remarkable three-wicket haul while conceding a mere nine runs. His victims included Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, and Umar Akmal as he dismantled Pakistan’s top-order.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (ICC Twitter)
Despite Bhuvi’s enchanting performance, Pakistan ultimately emerged triumphant, prevailing over India by five wickets. Throughout his illustrious T20I career which has spanned more than a decade, Bhuvneshwar has firmly established himself as one of India's leading wicket-takers in the format, accumulating an impressive tally of 90 wickets in 87 matches at a brilliant economy of 6.96 and two five-wicket hauls.
3. Shivam Mavi – 4/22
Shivam Mavi made a remarkable debut against Sri Lanka, etching his name as the third entrant on this exclusive list. With the nerves of steel, Mavi astounded the cricketing fraternity, amassing a formidable figure of 4/22 in his allotted four overs. His notable scalps included the dismissals of Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Shivam Mavi (BCCI Twitter)
Mavi’s contribution in guiding India to a nail-biting victory by a slender margin of two runs was massive. In a testament to his burgeoning potential, the reigning champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Titans, also acquired the services of Shivam Mavi in the auction for an impressive sum of six crores, underscoring his growing reputation as a rising star. However, he didn’t get an opportunity to play in IPL 2023.
2. Pragyan Ojha – 4/21
Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha claims the honourable second spot on this exclusive roster, owing to his scintillating debut performance against Bangladesh back in 2009. Unleashing his craft with finesse, Ojha weaved a mesmerizing spell, amassing a commendable figure of 4/21 in his allotted four overs. The left-arm maestro's exceptional display earned him the coveted player of the match accolade, as he accounted for the dismissals of Junaid Siddique, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Mashrafe Murtaza.
Pragyan Ojha & MS Dhoni (Instagram)
The veteran spinner's exceptional contribution played a pivotal role in India's commanding triumph, securing a comfortable 25-run victory. Although his international T20 career was relatively brief, spanning a mere six matches, Ojha's remarkable talent shone through as he claimed ten valuable wickets for the country at an economy rate of 6.29.
1. Barinder Sran – 4/10
Barinder Sran carved his name in Indian cricketing history by delivering an awe-inspiring performance on his T20I debut. The stage was set against Zimbabwe in June 2016, as Sran embarked on his maiden international venture. Astonishingly, he recorded a breathtaking figure of 4/10, snaring a phenomenal four-wicket haul while displaying exceptional control over his craft.
Barinder Sran (Instagram)
The magnificent performance earned Sran the player of the match award as it had helped India set the foundation for a resounding victory by ten wickets. Among his notable scalps were Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, and Tinotenda. While his T20I debut was memorable, Sran's T20I career was limited to a mere two matches, leaving him with a modest tally of six wickets.
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