Have learnt to become mentally strong playing under Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir: Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini, the Indian fast bowler, said that rubbing shoulders with the likes of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have helped him immensely over the years. The 27-year-old made his national debut last year against the West Indies and returned with a three-fer. He also churned out a wicket-maiden in the 20th over the Caribbean innings, dismissing opposition skipper Kieron Pollard.

However, it was Gambhir under whom Saini made his first-class debut for Delhi back in 2013. Gambhir has always been vocal and appreciative about the Karnal-born talent. As far as Virat is concerned, Saini played under him in the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

It was after the IPL itself when he got the India call-up. Navdeep said that he has learned from them the attitude of giving one’s best in the field. Saini, who has played five ODIs and 10 T20Is for the Men in Blue, also stated that he has learned the art of being mentally strong from Virat and Gambhir.

Navdeep Saini lauds Virat and Gambhir

“One captaincy trait similar to both Gautam bhaiya and Virat bhaiya is that they give 110% effort to everything on the field. I’ve learnt this from Gautam bhaiya right from the start when I played Ranji Trophy under him and then I learnt the same from Virat bhaiya in the Indian team,” Saini was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with cricket.com.

“Whether at the gym or in the ground or training sessions, Virat bhaiya gives his 101% to everything everywhere. Under them I have learnt how to be mentally strong and how to keep improving my skills,” the speedster added.

Saini got his maiden India call-up for India’s one-off Test versus Afghanistan back in June 2018 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, he didn’t get a chance to play. Nevertheless, the impressive IPL season where he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) meant that he came under the radar of the national selectors.

Saini was also one of the back-up players for India’s campaign in the 2019 World Cup. At the highest level, the Young Turk has 18 wickets.