Shivam Mavi's four-wicket haul on debut in the first T20I of India's three-match home series against Sri Lanka turned him into an international star overnight, but the right-arm pacer said he had been "waiting for this moment" ever since his Under-19 days.
Right-arm pacer Mavi's spell of 4/22 was critical to India's win on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai; however, the hosts were ran close by the Lankans in the end, winning by just two runs in a thrilling finish.
"I was waiting for six years after playing (India) U-19. 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," the 24-year-old Mavi said at the post-match presentation.
"Having played the IPL (for Kolkata Knight Riders), the nervousness is a little less," Mavi, who began his T20I career by cleaning up Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, added.
"My idea in the powerplay is to attack and get them out. My favourite dismissal was the first one, getting him (Nissanka) bowled," said the U-19 World Cup winner.
The Lankan chase of India's 162/5 was led by skipper Dasun Shanaka's 45 off 27 balls after Mavi rattled the visitors' top order with two quick wickets.
Sri Lanka needed 13 runs off the last over, and skipper Hardik Pandya threw the ball to spinner Axar Patel, who didn't disappoint and held his nerves to take his team to a two-run win.
India now lead the three-match series 1-0.
