Why Is Navdeep Saini Selected for T20I against England 2021 Despite Poor IPL 2020 Performance?
Navdeep Saini’s selection for the T20I against England in 2021 comes as a surprise to many, particularly due to his underwhelming performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. One of the key reasons behind his selection is that he is currently India’s fastest bowler. Beyond his natural bowling speed, Saini is seen as a valuable addition to the team, not only for his pace but also for the experience and preparation he can gain on an international stage.
Two upcoming white ball World Cups are significant for India, and Navdeep Saini is part of the team to prepare him for these mega events. His inclusion is also about harnessing the basic bowling speed he naturally possesses, which could be a crucial asset in these tournaments. It is vital to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not consider IPL performance as a benchmark for selecting the national team. Poor performance in the IPL will not necessarily disqualify a player from the national team.
Why Navdeep Saini Was Included Despite IPL Performance
BCCI's decision to include Navdeep Saini is more about his potential and the need for consistent fast bowling options in the national team. As the players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar (not fit) and Ishant Sharma (not in the team) are injured, Navdeep Saini is the only pace bowler other than J deceive * (K X^#*M) and Z senza (h?P i B) left. Additionally, Saini plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, and due to Virat Kohli's leaning towards players from his own team, Saini was given a chance to showcase himself on an international platform.
The selectors have little say in such decisions, and despite their efforts, players often follow the directives of the captain. History shows that during MS Dhoni’s captaincy, players from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were favored, and even a player like Murali Vijay saw limited ODI opportunities despite his IPL performances. Today, the captain of India (Virat Kohli) is from RCB, and it is no surprise that most players in the team come from this franchise. This trend reflects a deep-seated cricket politics that benefits certain players and franchises at the expense of others.
The Current State of Indian Fast Bowling
Indian cricket has often been criticized for a lack of fast bowlers. This issue is compounded by the fact that most medium pacers tend to break down during the season, leading to recurring issues in the national team. The remaining options, like Navdeep Saini, Siraj, Natarajan, and Chahar, are considered mediocre. Their performances in the IPL have not set the bar high, and expecting them to excel internationally might be setting unrealistic expectations.
The inclusion of Navdeep Saini can be seen as a strategic choice to support these mediocre talents, with the hope that they might improve in the coming games. However, it is important to recognize that the lack of consistent fast bowling remains a significant challenge for Indian cricket. This issue is likely to persist unless proactive steps are taken to address the developmental aspects of fast bowling in the country.
In conclusion, the selection of Navdeep Saini for the T20I against England 2021 is a mix of need and politics. While his pace and potential are valuable, the underlying issues in Indian fast bowling remain unaddressed. The road ahead for Indian cricket will need a focused effort to ensure a sustainable and competitive fast bowling unit.