DDCA to seek clarification from 'tired' Navdeep Saini
Vinayak Padmadeo
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 27
The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) will ask for 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 that he was tired,” Singh 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 Delhi 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 both Ishant Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, said he cannot answer about Saini’s absence.
Delhi eye bonus point
Meanwhile, Delhi stayed in the hunt for a bonus point against Hyderabad. The home team was set a target of 84 runs after dismissing the visitors for 298. At stumps, Delhi was 24/0 in 7 overs, needing another 63 to script an outright win.
