DDCA to seek clarification from ‘tired’ Saini

Vinayak Padmadeo

tRIBUNE nEWS sERVICE

NEW DELHI, December 27

The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) will seek a written clarification from India pacer Navdeep Saini after he sat out of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy encounter against Hyderabad.

The development comes amidst speculation that he sat out because of a niggle. But according to the chairman of selectors Bantoo Singh, Saini told the Delhi selectors that he needed a rest as he was tired and the selectors ceded to his request as they had a ready replacement in Simarjeet Singh to take his place in the playing XI. However, a few officials have questioned the decision and want a written reply in this matter.

“He had a slight fever and also complained of tiredness,” Bantoo told The Tribune. “So we gave him the rest as we had a ready option,” he added.

Bantoo also clarified that the selection committee has not received any report from the team physiotherapist regarding Saini. Saini had rejoined the team on Tuesday after making his ODI debut against the West Indies in Cuttack on Sunday.

Officials, however, have questioned the decision as to why Saini was allowed to sit out of the match. “We were told he was tired. Many have become India international after doing well for Delhi and now it appears that he wants to turn his back on us,” said an official. “We will seek a written reply in this matter for sure. We need to know the real reason why he sat out,” he added.

India selector Sarandeep Singh, who has been keeping a keen eye on Ishant Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, said he cannot speak about Saini’s absence.

Delhi eye bonus point

Meanwhile, Delhi stayed in the hunt for a bonus point victory against Hyderabad. The home team was set a target of 84 runs after dismissing the visitors for 298. At stumps, Delhi were 24/0 in 7 overs, needing another 60 runs.

Delhi U-23 players in trouble for misbehaviour

Kolkata: Two Delhi U-23 players were asked to return home by the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association for allegedly misbehaving with female staff of a city hotel on the eve of their CK Nayudu Trophy tie against Bengal. The players in question are Kuldeep Yadav and Lakshay Thareja. An official said it is a case of the two players misbehaving with a couple of women in the team hotel. “While they are claiming that they were only talking loudly in the corridor and knocked on a couple of doors in a playful manner, there is more to it and needs investigation. The players might be suspended for a lengthy period of time,” he said. — IANS