‘I was not expecting this call’ - Navdeep Saini opens up on his return to Indian Test team

Ace pacer Navdeep Saini recently revealed that he was not expecting a call-up to the Indian Test team for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies. Notably, the 30-year-old signed a four-match deal with County side Worchestershire but unfortunately, he will have to terminate his contract after just one game as the pacer will then travel to West Indies to join the rest of the squad for India’s first Test series in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Interestingly, the County side announced Saini as one of their new signees on Friday, June 23, and minutes later, India announced their squad for the West Indies series. Navdeep eventually revealed that he was quite surprised as he expected a call-up as a net bowler for the World Test Championship final but not for the Caribbean tour.

“I came here to play county (cricket), landing today itself, and the moment I got out from the airport, I received the news that I have been selected for the West Indies tour. Honestly, I was not expecting this call. Yes, during the IPL, I was training with the Dukes ball because I thought I might get picked as a net bowler or would be among the standbys for the World Test Championship final,” Saini told The Indian Express.

“Hopefully, I will get to play one match before going to the West Indies. It will be good preparation for me to get some overs under my belt,” he further added.

Saini is expecting to feature in playing XI against West Indies

Talking about his return to the Test squad, Saini revealed that he is expecting to make it to the playing XI against West Indies. He added saying that he understands the surface of the Caribbean country as it often keeps low and is slow in nature.

“This will be my second tour to the West Indies. Last time I didn’t get a chance to play, but hopefully, this time I will. I know the conditions. The pitches are low and slow and similar to those back home,” Saini concluded.