The Indian squad for the West Indies tour was announced on June 23 in which many surprising names were picked. In the queue, the Indian pacer Navdeep Saini has been also picked for the Test series against West Indies. But before the squad was announced, Navdeep Saini put on an Instagram Story with a Punjabi song Baller by Shubh. What attracted the viewers was Navdeep Saini in his casual T-shirt had a victory sign on the display and he looked super relaxed as if he knew about his selection before anyone else.
However, while having a conversation with News18 just after the selection, Navdeep Saini said, “Nahi bhaiya (laughs)… aaj kal jo bhi kar raha hu maza aa raha hai. I am in a good mind space at the moment and everything is feeling good. From practice sessions to bowling in the nets to workouts, everything is feeling very good. Chahe local cricket khel raha hu ya club cricket, alag sa maza aa raha hai. Isi liye man sa kara wo post daalne ka and daal di.”
The pacer is in London and has a contract with Worcestershire for county sessions. But as he has been picked for the upcoming West Indies tour, it will be interesting to see if get permission from BCCI to play in the next game against Derbyshire from Sunday or not.
Navdeep Saini has been out from the team due to injuries several times and he was under training at National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
Talking about the hindrance from the injuries, Navdeep stated, “It does get slightly difficult but I was never away from any cricket even during the injury layoff. I trained at the NCA, was bowling there and then returned to play for India A moment I got clearance. Then I also played domestic cricket when I was fit and available. And then obviously in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. So I was never really away from cricket.”
After missing the IPL and some international courses, Navdeep has marked himself as fully fit to play for India.
“Even in the IPL, I just played two matches – the first and last for Rajasthan Royals. In between those fixtures, I was preparing in a way to be ready for any game which comes my way. An opportunity can come any time so you can’t really say that I wasn’t ready. I didn’t play remaining 12 games of the IPL but prepared in a way that I could be summoned any time,” says Navdeep.
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“Bilkul, bilkul. Baba di meher hai ji. God has been very kind and I just want to continue doing my work with 100% honesty. Now just want to prove myself whenever I get the opportunity and there is no question of reducing speed or anything,” says Navdeep.
Talking about his preparation, Navdeep said that even if he was not playing the cricket at senior level, he kept playing for the clubs and is mentally prepared to make every opportunity count.
“Mentally, I am completely ready. Kami kahi nah hai ji. Jaise hi mauka milega, us din kaam kar dege. Practice, preparations have already been underway and now it’s just matter of time. I hope I make the opportunity count and do justice to my game,” says Navdeep.
