India men’s cricket team’s newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir is tipped to revive career of Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini who hasn’t played international cricket in three years. Gambhir who identified Saini’s talent when the pacer used to bowl with tennis ball, helped him play for Delhi and later picked him in Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 auction. Gambhir’s childhood coach, Sanjay Bhardwaj, feels that he can pick the 31-year-old in the Indian team during his tenure.
"He could pick players like Kuldeep Yadav and Navdeep Saini (in the India team setup). They are his product. He also followed his instincts on West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine (during IPL 2024). His observation and cricketing acumen were always outstanding," Bhardwaj told PTI.
Saini not getting enough opportunities in IPL
Saini did not play a single game in IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals (RR). His best IPL season was in 2019 when he bagged 11 wickets from 13 games. In 2020, he struggled to take wickets and then got a couple of opportunities each in next three seasons.
Saini’s international career so far
Saini made his T20I and ODI debut in 2019. He was part of the team that beat Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership. So far, he has managed to take 4 wickets in Tests, six in ODIs and 13 in T20Is. His T20I record is impressive, especially considering the economy rate of 7.15 runs per over.
Faith in Gambhir ahead of Sri Lanka tour
Bhardwaj also hailed Gambhir’s ability to take up challenges and is confident that the 42-year-old will do well in his new role as well
"With his batting, he won two World Cups for India in 2007 and 2011. As a player, you helped India win two World Cups, then propelled KKR to three IPL titles. You have a habit of taking up challenges and conquering them; be honest in your approach and repay the country's faith in you," he added.
Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach will be the tour of Sri Lanka. The BCCI is yet to announce the squads along with new captain for T20Is. In addition, Gambhir’s support staff is yet to be revealed as well.
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