Navdeep Saini On IPL Reality: There used to be a time when domestic cricket performances played a key role in getting a chance in the Indian Cricket team. But since the arrival of the Indian Premier League (IPL), domestic cricket performances don’t matter as they used to in earlier times. It is seen now that players who perform well in IPL get chances to feature in the Indian Cricket Team, no matter which format.
To this we have a very great example of Indian pacer Navdeep Saini, who was featured in 8 ODIs, 2 Tests, and 11 T20Is for India but is now absent from the team. In a recent interaction, he revealed that in current times it is very difficult for a player to make it to the national team without performing well in the IPL.
Navdeep Saini On Comeback In Indian Team
There was a time when he was considered the top pacer of India, who last played for the national side in 2021. After the Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh, he talked about the selection process in recent times.
He said,
“Main jab aaya tha mere pass khone ko kuch nahi tha aur itne saal baad aaj bhi khone ko kuch nahi hai. Main agar India comeback ka sapna na dekhoon mujhe haq nahi Delhi team mein ek jagah rok ke rakhne ki.”
“(I had nothing to lose when I came here in 2013, and neither do I have anything to lose now. If I don’t dream of an India comeback, what’s the point of blocking a slot in the Delhi team?)”
“It is reality”: Navdeep Saini On IPL Reality
Further, he talked about the selection process in the Indian cricket team in recent times.
He said,
“Yes, whether one likes it or not, to play for India, you have to do well in the IPL. It is reality. A year before, I had a shoulder injury, and my pace dropped—it cost me an IPL contract.”
“Mujhe Maza Aata Hai…”: Navdeep Saini
When Saini was asked about sticking to white-ball formats like the Vijay Hazare Trophy or the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He said,
“Yes, I can, but I love this challenge of bowling in day games. Mujhe maza aata hai. Last match, I didn’t get wickets (in Hyderabad) as the wickets were slow. On this track, post-tea, it became lively.”
When asked about making a comeback in the Indian team. He said,
“Why not? If I have a couple of fifers, I will again be part of the discussions.”
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