Navdeep Saini took two wickets in a late burst for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh. (Express Photo by Praveen Khana)Players have to perform well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to get a call-up to the Indian team, fast bowler Navdeep Saini has said. Widely rated as a future regular in India’s pace department in the pre-pandemic years, Saini’s last international appearance a T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2021. The 32-year-old was among the unheralded stars who incredibly powered India to victory at the Gabba against Australia to help the side seal a dramatic second consecutive Test series win in the country.
“Whether one likes it or not, to play for India, you have to do well in IPL. It is a reality. A year before, I had a shoulder injury and my pace dropped — it cost me an IPL contract,” Saini is quoted as saying by PTI after he returned figures of 2/20 in nine overs for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh.
However, Saini says he has no intention of letting go of red-ball cricket. “Yes, I can but I love this challenge of bowling in days’ games. Last match, I didn’t get wickets (in Hyderabad) as the wicket was slow. On this track, post Tea, it became lively,” he said. He also said that he still dreams of making a comeback to the Indian team. “Why not? If I have a couple of fifers, I will again be part of the discussions,” said Saini.
“I had nothing to lose when I had first come here and after so many years, I still have nothing to lose. If I don’t dream of returning to the Indian team then I have no right to hold on to a place in the Delhi team.” Saini played two Tests for India, both of which came in the 2020/21 series in Australia. He took four wickets in the first of those games and could hardly bowl in the second at the Gabba due to a groin injury. Saini also took six wickets in eight ODIs and 13 wickets in 11 T20Is.
Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.
2 min read
