Follow UsNavdeep Saini’s life received an ultimate twist when the pacer landed at London airport only to find himself in the 16-man squad for India’s tour to West Indies. It left the pacer shell-shocked and cut his four-match County stint with Worcestershire to just one game before he leaves for West Indies.
“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,” Saini told The Indian Express from the British capital.
Saini, who has been part of India ‘A’ setup, admitted that he wasn’t ‘expecting’ the call-up in the national team. However, the right-arm pacer from Haryana added that he was always training with the Dukes Ball and was expecting to get picked in the setup as a net-bowler.
“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 said.
“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 said.
While there is a lot of pressure on the others to keep their spot in the team, Saini reckoned that the management has always trusted in his capabilities, and added that he only looks to follow the process.
“Luckily, I have always travelled with the team, be it as a squad player or net bowler. The team management has trust in my capabilities. I was always in the mix. I was always close. I knew I would get my chance, I just had to follow my process.