Published: Aug 04, 2019, 09:53 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 04, 2019, 09:53 AM (IST)
After Navdeep Saini’s impressive international debut against West Indies in the 1st T20I at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida on Saturday, where he picked up 3/17 in his four over, including a final over maiden, experienced hand Bhuvneshwar Kumar lauded the youngsters effort.
Saini’s effort coupled with Kumar’s 2/19 was instrumental in India restricting the hosts 95/9 in 20 overs on a tough pitch to bat on, which India chase down with four wickets in hand and 16 balls to spare.
Kumar, during the post-match presser, pointed out Saini’s consistency was the key to his impressive international debut. “He (Saini) bowled really well as everyone has seen,” said Kumar. “ The most important thing is that he proved himself at different stages weather it is domestic cricket, IPL, or India A”. ALSO READ: Navdeep Saini is someone who can build a name for himself: Kohli
Saini as as the second highest wicket-taker in the 5-match unofficial ODI series for India A in the West Indies head recently and in IPL 2019 he picked 11 wickets in 13 matches.
As a senor player Kumar said that playing with the youngsters it becomes your responsibility to to guide them and talk to them, and that’s what he did with Saini and Khaleel Ahmed, who also picked up a wicket in the two overs he bowled. ALSO READ: Debutante Navdeep Saini stars in India’s four-wicket victory
“Being a senior player, you always want to perform and if you could not perform, you just want to contribute to the team. The is the first thing I wanted to do and I did that. But when youngsters play with you like Navdeep Saini did well, Khaleel was there, so, you always want to talk to them and you always want to make them feel comfortable. That is the first thing I want to do and that is what I did with them,” he added.
