To play for India, you have to do well in IPL: Navdeep Saini

Former Indian pacer Navdeep Saini has made it clear that it’s very important to do well in the Indian Premier League to represent the national team, giving out a perfect example of his injury, which cost him an IPL spot.

Speaking after the day’s play in the ongoing second round of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, Saini asserted that he was recently nursing a shoulder injury and his pace got dropped, which eventually resulted in him losing an IPL contract. 

“Whether one likes it or not, to play for India, you have to do well in IPL. It is a reality. A year before, I had a shoulder injury and my pace dropped — it cost me an IPL contract,” Saini said after the day’s play. 

Furthermore, the former pacer also revealed that he has aspirations of making an Indian comeback, especially in the red-ball format. He feels he is just two to three five-wicket hauls away from making an Indian comeback. 

“Yes, I can but I love this challenge of bowling in days’ games. Last match, I didn’t get wickets (in Hyderabad) as the wicket was slow. On this track, post Tea, it became lively,” he said. 

He also said that he still dreams of making a comeback to the Indian team. “Why not? If I have a couple of fifers, I will again be part of the discussions,” said Saini.

“I had nothing to lose when I had first come here and after so many years, I still have nothing to lose. If I don’t dream of returning to the Indian team then I have no right to hold on to a place in the Delhi team,” he concluded. 

For the unversed, Saini played two Tests for India. He took four wickets in the first of those games and could hardly bowl in the second at the Gabba due to a groin injury. He also scalped six wickets in eight ODIs and 13 wickets in 11 T20Is.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!