WI vs IND: Team India names Saini as backup for Test series

Fast bowler Navdeep Saini will stay back in the Caribbean as cover for the Indian pacers in the upcoming Test series starting Thursday. Saini recently made his T20I debut against the West Indies in the USA.

In the 2019 World Cup, the 26-year-old came in as a backup bowler for the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Impressed with his ability to generate raw pace, the team management included him in their future plans straightaway. Saini had a memorable outing in the first T20I vs West Indies at Lauderhill, registering figures of 3/17 on international debut.

Such has been his skill and talent that former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir publicly backed the bowler after his stunning debut. Gambhir also lashed out at former Indian cricketers Bishan Singh Bedi and Chetan Chauhan for ignoring the youngster.

Saini wasn’t originally part of India’s Test squad but still ended bowling six overs in the ongoing warm-up game against West Indies A. He will primarily be functioning as Team India’s net bowler in the two Tests against the West Indies.

“Yes, Navdeep Saini has been asked to stay back by the team management for the Test series. He will stay back primarily as a net bowler, they want to groom him for the Test format keeping an eye on the future,” a senior BCCI official confirmed to PTI on Monday.

Over the last few years, India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun has built a world-class bowling unit comprising of match-winners. The addition of Saini will only help Arun groom the youngster into another dangerous pace weapon. The Delhi seamer can also absorb the pressures of international cricket and prepare himself for the big leap in the near future.