Navdeep Saini, the right-arm fast bowler has shared his excitement at representing the Rajasthan Royals in the impending 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022).
He recently spoke about his relationship with the team’s captain Sanju Samson and stated that he looks forward to playing under him. In IPL 2021, Sanju Samson scored 484 runs in 14 games at 40.33 and with a strike rate of 136.72 which included a century and two half-centuries. In IPL 2020, he scored 375 runs in as many games at a strike rate of 158.89 with three half-centuries.
Navdeep Saini Revealed He Shares A Great Rapport With Rajasthan Royals’ Skipper Sanju Samson
Navdeep Saini pointed out that he has spent a considerable amount of time with Sanju Samson while playing for India and the two have often indulged in several discussions off the field as well.
He was quoted as saying: “I share a great rapport with Sanju. I have spent a lot of time with him at the national team and have had a lot of discussions with him off the field. I feel it’s going to be a fresh experience, playing under him; he’s someone who creates a fun atmosphere around the team which helps everyone settle in quickly and feel a part of the team.”
The 29-year-old pacer was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹2.60 crore at last month’s IPL 2022 auction. The lanky pacer has featured in 28 matches so far in the cash-rich league, and has 17 wickets to his name at an economy rate of 8.47. The pacer has played 2 Tests, 8 ODIs and 11 T20Is picking up 23 scalps in the 3 formats combined.
Navdeep Saini Excited To Work With Kumar Sangakkara And Lasith Malinga
The seamer reckoned that it would be a great opportunity for him to learn from Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga. While Kumar Sangakkara is the franchise’s director of cricket and head coach for the season, Lasith Malinga has been roped in as fast bowling coach by the inaugural IPL 2008 champions.
Navdeep Saini added: “I’m also really excited to work with Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga, and pick their brains on various aspects of the game. I think this will be a great opportunity for me to learn and groom myself, further evolving my skills and contributing to the team’s performances.”
Rajasthan Royals are placed in Group A along with Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2022 league stage. They will open their campaign with a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MCA Stadium in Pune on March 29.