Navdeep Saini highlighted India’s strength in depth ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup with an indomitable display in Indore.
The pace bowler ended with figures of 2-18 from four overs as India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I on Tuesday.
The game was only Saini’s seventh T20I but he could prove a valuable member of the squad that goes to Australia later this year. His push for a starting place would significantly strengthen India’s chances of success come October.
Virat Kohli’s men are currently priced at 4.50 (7/2) second-favourites with Bet365 to win the tournament. Hosts Australia top the betting at 3.75 (11/4).
Saini stakes his claim by starring against Sri Lanka
All eyes were on the return of fellow pace ace Jasprit Bumrah before the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka, but it was Saini that took the headlines.
His impressive spells with the ball saw him named man of the match in Indore as he left selectors in no doubts about his ability to have an impact in the team.
India already boast a brilliant seam attack but the added pace of Saini could give them even more options with the world cup on the horizon. This was demonstrated by his fast-paced yorker to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Danushka Gunathilaka.
His raw speed worked well alongside the variations offered up by both Shardul Thakur and Bumrah.
It was Saini who bowled the quickest delivery in the second T20 when one ball reached 151.6 kph. His average speed came in at hust over 141kph.
The delivery that accounted for Gunathilaka clocked 147.5 kph and the bouncer that claimed the scalp of Oshada Fernando was registered as 144kph.
T20 World Cup betting odds
| Team | Odds |
| Australia | 3.75 |
| India | 4.50 |
| England | 5.50 |
| South Africa | 7.50 |
| New Zealand | 8.00 |
| West Indies | 10.00 |
| Pakistan | 11.00 |
| Sri Lanka | 26.00 |
| Afghanistan | 51.00 |
| Bangladesh | 101.00 |
| Ireland | 501.00 |
| Netherlands | 1001.00 |
| Oman | 1001.00 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1001.00 |
| Scotland | 1001.00 |
| Namibia | 1501.00 |
After the match, 27-year-old Saini said: “I am gaining confidence with both white ball and red ball.
“When I made my T20I debut, I wanted to bowl fast, but now I know the importance of the slower deliveries,” he added.
“I practiced well and was confident. It's important to be confident and it's also important to use the variations. I was more happy to take a wicket with the yorker.”
India now look towards Friday’s third T20I in Pune.
Saini can impact IPL markets
An in-form Saini could also be of interest for future bets on the IPL 2020.
Not only will the bowler strengthen India’s chances of a world cup win but also boost the hopes of his team Royal Challengers Bangalore. Saini will again team up with his skipper Kohli as the pair look to secure RCB’s first-ever title.
RCB are currently priced at 8.00 (7/1) with Bet365 but Saini's pace option could make them worth considering this year.
Latest IPL 2020 Odds
| IPL Team | Winner Odds |
| Mumbai Indians | 5.0 |
| Hyderabad Sunrisers | 5.0 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 5.5 |
| Delhi Captials | 7.0 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 8.0 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 8.0 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 10.0 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 11.0 |
Bangalore added well during the IPL Auction 2020 to give their side a much more balanced look for the new campaign.
There biggest buy was South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris for INR 10,00 crore. That came after already adding Australian captain Aaron Finch for INR 4.4 crore.
They also bolstered their ranks by adding Kane Richardson, Dale Steyn, Isuru Udana, Shahbaz Ahamas, Joshua Philippe and Pavan Deshpande.
Royal Challengers Bangalore 2020 Squad
| Virat Kohli (C) | AB de Villiers |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Gurkeerat Singh |
| Moeen Ali | Mohammed Siraj |
| Navdeep Saini | Parthiv Patel |
| Pawan Negi | Shivam Dube |
| Umesh Yadav | Chris Morris |
| Aaron Finch | Yuzvender Chahal |
| Washington Sundar | Kane Richardson |
| Joshua Phillipe | Pavan Deshpande |
| Shabaz Ahmad | Isuru Udana |
| Dale Steyn |
