New Delhi: India's newest cricket sensation, at least in terms of price-tags, Pawan Negi is all set to make his India debut when Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co. take field against Sri Lanka in Ranchi on Saturday.
The 23-year-old became overnight sensation after he was picked up by Delhi Daredevils for an unthinkable INR 8.5 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Players' auction. He even left behind perennial blockbuster man Yuvraj Singh in the bidding.
However, with a settled line-up, his international bow was always considered long time coming, except the intervention of lady luck.
And it seemed, the Delhi player's rise to stardom will continue today.
Hardik Pandya, who failed to impress in the first Twenty20 International in Pune, which India lost in humiliating fashion, is likely to make way for Negi.
Before the crunch Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20 fixtures, the Indian camp will like to test all the available resources, and at the same time resting some key players.
In such a scenario, Negi finds himself in a good stead. He can replace either Pandya, or Ravindra Jadeja -- if the Indian camp decides to rest the experienced campaigner.
Besides, Negi has played under MS Dhoni during their stay as team-mates in the now suspended IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
As for his abilities, as reflected during the recent bidding, Negi is already hailed as the next big thing, with bowling and batting talents, in equal measures, as a match-winner.
