IND v SA | Glad to see Navdeep Saini being recognized, says Lance Klusener
Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has said that he is glad to see young fast bowler Navdeep Saini being recognized by the Indian cricketing fraternity. Klusener, who now serves as a consultant for the South African team, said he wants Saini to enjoy bowling at 150 kmph while he can.
He was identified by Gautam Gambhir in 2013 when he turned up at the nets sessions of the Delhi team. His selection to the Delhi state team – and later on, the national team – was protested by the DDCA and former Indian cricketers. But when Saini marks his run-up for India against the South Africans during the ongoing T20I series, there is one man, although in the enemy camp, who will be pleased to see him succeed.
"I am so glad to see Navdeep Saini being recognized. You don't see many in Indian cricket who can bowl at 150 kmph. He is an absolutely human being and that added a lot of value to our Delhi team last year," Klusener told TOI.
Just like he does for his country now, Klusener once spent time as the white-ball consultant for the Delhi senior team – the team made it to the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament final as a result. Recalling memories from his initial days with Delhi, Klusener remembers how big of a fitness-buff Saini is and added a piece of advice for the youngster.
"I think he has a wonderful action which is very clean and smooth. He is superbly fit as well. But while chatting with him, I realized he is hungry to bowl at 150 clicks and above. While he loves bowling at 150 clicks, he knows that ability doesn't last forever but while you can bowl 150 kmph now, then just enjoy," Klusener added.
Sure enough, Saini has been having a ball at the moment. After an impressive stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, he was picked for the T20I series against West Indies. And boy, did he have some fun, especially in his first outing when he picked up three for 17. "Abhi mazaa nahin aayega toh kab aayega. (If I can't have fun now then when would I?)," Saini said, summing up his Caribbean experience.
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