If Navdeep Saini Gets It Right, He'll Tickle A Few: Ravi Shastri

India fast bowler Navdeep Saini grabbed everyone’s attention in the recently-concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka and walked away with his first Man of the Series award. The exciting fast bowling prospect from Delhi has shown he can do well at the highest level of the game. The talented pacer, who made his T20I debut last year, bowled consistently over 140 kmph and bowling quick came quite naturally to him.

The 27-year-old pacer annoyed Sri Lanka batsmen and picked 2 for just 18 off his four overs in the second T20I and followed it up with figures of 3 for 28 in the third game, helping India win the three-match series by 2-0 after the T20I opener was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Navdeep Saini was expected to play the first ODI against Australia at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai but was dropped from the side. However, he made a stellar comeback in the second ODI at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot where he picked two wickets to his name and also backed it up with one wicket in the deciding ODI against Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Ravi Shastri heaps praise on Navdeep Saini

India head coach Ravi Shastri is pleased with the way Saini bowled in the previous two games against Australia. The pacer broke into the side when he replaced fast bowler Shardul Thakur in Rajkot and made an instant impact in the game. He bowled with good pace, bounce and at times, he was able to bowl good yorkers in the death overs.

Ravi Shastri has no doubts in mind that Saini can annoy the opposition batsmen considering his potential. “The exposure they [youngsters] get against this Australian outfit will stand them in good stead. Their mindset will be entirely different. Young Saini is quick, and if he gets it right, he’ll tickle a few. Really proud of the guys – I thought they were magnificent,” Ravi Shastri said after the match.

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