IPL 2022: Best benched XI from the sixth week

10. Navdeep Saini

The Indian pacer has done very well in the international circuit since his debut for India in 2019. He has been useful for the team in all formats of the game whenever he has played. He is more apt when it comes to hit-the-deck bowling. He has got the raw pace and bowls constantly around 140 km/h. He’s still honing the craft of death bowling and has made significant improvements in that area. He was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 2.60 crore ahead of IPL 2022.

In this season, he has played only two games and taken three wickets with a not-so-decent economy of 12.00. Nevertheless, his T20 international record is quite decent. In his 11 T20I games he has clinched 13 wickets with a healthy economy of 7.15. He’s developing as a well-rounded pace bowler and has been in the Indian squad. He debuted in the IPL arena with his then franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore and so far he has taken 20 wickets in 30 matches with an economy of 8.68. He has been unfortunate with the injuries but has worked on his fitness diligently.

Rajasthan Royals, his current franchise, has won seven out of their 11 games and are currently placed at the third position in the points table. The RR bowling department has been very effective this season as the pace trio of Trent Boult, Kuldeep Sen and Prasidh Krishna have delivered to the expectations but Navdeep Saini with his seam bowling abilities can’t be neglected. Rajasthan Royals can play Saini in their upcoming games by resting Prasidh Krishna or Kuldeep Sen. He can play a part in the powerplay overs by utilizing his seam bowling to good effect.