Delhi speedster Navdeep Saini credits former India opener for his recent success

Fast bowler Navdeep Saini who grabbed headlines for his sensational stint in the Ranji Trophy last season for Delhi, bagged a lucrative IPL contract in January’s player auction.  Saini bowled consistently at 140 kph mark during the Ranji season and bagged 34 wickets in eight matches. He was eventually bought by IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping 3crores.

In the previous edition of IPL, Navdeep Saini was bought for 10 lakhs by Delhi Daredevils but did not get to play a single game. However, a scintillating 2017-18 domestic season raised his stocks as he went on to earn himself a million dollar contract.

While the Virat Kohli-led franchise splurged the bank for Saini, it also implied that he won’t get to play under his idol Gautam Gambhir, who will be leading Delhi Daredevils in the upcoming season. The 25-year-old speedster owes his successful Ranji career to Gautam Gambhir.

According to Hindustan Times, Saini said, “Gauti bhaiya was very happy for me after RCB bought me in the auction. On the other hand, I was thinking if I were in the DD squad, Gauti bhaiya could have helped during the season.”

He further added, “He told me just to keep up the good form and go for it. He told me I could learn a lot from Virat Kohli being the RCB captain. The feeling of being in the star-studded RCB team then sank in.”

Navdeep Saini’s net sessions in South Africa will provide a boost

Following Saini’s incredible form in the domestic circuit, the Indian cricket team management called him up during India’s tour to South Africa, to bowl in the nets ahead of the third Test in Johannesburg. The South Africa net session has already raised Saini’s profile.

The speedster will be joining a star-studded pace attack in RCB that boasts the likes of Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes Mohammed Siraj and Delhi teammate Kulwant Khejroliya.