The 30-year-old hasn’t participated in a Test match since helping India win a historic series in Australia in 2020–21.
Since playing a role in India’s historic series victory against Australia in 2020–21, Navdeep Saini has only received two more Test caps.
Nearly two years ago, in July 2021, he played against Sri Lanka in his last limited-overs match for his nation.
Navdeep Saini rejoined the squad for the two Test matches against the West Indies in the Caribbean
The 30-year-old pacer was recalled to the team on Friday for the two Test matches against the West Indies that begin on July 12 in the Caribbean.
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen. There, the pitches move somewhat slowly. In tests, patience is required. The most crucial factor is that. Who wins will depend on that”, Saini said on Friday.
The 30-year-old Saini has a chance to seize this opportunity after spending the previous two years on the periphery of the Test team.
The selectors have begun the transition process by dropping Umesh Yadav and Cheteshwar Pujara and resting Mohammed Shami.
He is one of five pacers selected for the Test portion of the tour, along with Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, and the uncapped Mukesh Kumar.
Saini made two Test appearances in Australia, and in both of them, he made poor decisions regarding his line and length.
His four wickets in the series were taken at a 43 average and a 4.11 economy. Saini has a gift for bowling quickly, consistently reaching speeds of around 150 kmph.
Saini, however, is aware that other tools are equally crucial after reflecting on his performances in Australia.
“Pace is crucial. Line and length are important as well. I am moving already. You must practice setting up the batter as a bowler. Reading the game’s progress is necessary.”
“You need to decide what fields to set up and how to attack if the ball is moving. Keep the runs low if the ball isn’t moving”, advised Saini.
“(From the Australia tour) I’ve learned a lot. I was playing Test cricket for the first time. There were many lessons to be drawn from that encounter.”
“Your health, ability to handle pressure, and required mindset. All that matters. The situation demands that you respondl”, he continued.
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